The Importance of a Testimony

No one else has had the unique set of experiences that God has given to you. However, many people have had similar experiences and will identify with your problems, because “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man …” (I Corinthians 10:13).

An effective testimony shares with others how we have experienced the power of God in our lives through obedience to Christ’s commands. Therefore, the goal in sharing our personal struggles with others is to help them find God’s solutions for similar problems they may be facing. One way to share with others how God has worked in our lives is to use a four-part testimony.

The Basic Outline

1. Define the problem. People relate to problems. In fact, sharing problems can promote healing. We are told, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). Problems should be stated in general terms rather than using specific details that may have happened only to you. For instance, if you had a disagreement with your parents, do not focus on the details of the disagreement; rather, state the problem in a more general way, such as: “For many years I had reoccurring conflicts with my parents.” Most people will be able to readily identify with this problem.

2. Describe your “solution.” Explain how you tried to solve the problem in your own way only to make it worse. For example, you could say, “I tried to reason with my parents, but it always ended up in heated arguments that caused further separation.”

3. Explain God’s answer. What command of Christ or Biblical principles did you apply in order to resolve the problem? “I finally realized that I was not honoring my father and mother, and they were reacting to my spirit of pride and disrespect. I asked them to forgive me for this.”

4. Report the results. Describe how God’s solution has brought new resolution to the problem. “When I humbled myself, my parents also asked me to forgive them for their actions, and we now are able to enjoy open communication.”

The more precise and practical these are, the more others will want to hear them. This will result in a growing sense of a fulfillment in your life as you realize that God is making you a “living epistle” that He wants those around you to know and read. (See II Corinthians 3:2-3.)

The Power of a Four-Part Testimony

This is how the Basic Seminar was started. It was simply my attempt to explain to others the things God had taught me.

Our human tendency is to not recognize God’s “classrooms” as opportunities to learn and apply His commands. Therefore, the next time a conflict arises, let us ask ourselves what commands relate to the situation and then obey them so that we can enjoy God’s lasting solutions. Then take the time to write out your testimony in a four-part format. These documented experiences will give you a powerful platform for discipling others.