Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,
Cordata typically gave us at least 3 weeks to prepare a talk, but I learned on Tuesday when Bishop Greathouse gave me a call and asked me to speak today that Beachside does things differently. I’m still grateful for this opportunity to speak today.
I was asked to speak about the conversion of the Lamanites in this week's Come Follow me reading.
So, What is conversion?
President Marion G. Romney said that: “Converted means to turn from one belief or course of action to another. …a spiritual and moral change. Converted implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and his gospel. A faith which works a transformation...”
He further explained that: “Membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily synonymous. Being converted and having a testimony are not necessarily the same thing either. A testimony comes when the Holy Ghost gives the earnest seeker a witness of the truth. A moving testimony vitalizes faith. That is, it induces repentance... Conversion is the fruit or the reward for repentance and obedience.”
We read in the Book of Mormon about how the sons of Mosiah felt compelled to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Lamanite people. We learn that through their efforts, the Spirit of God touched the hearts of many of the Lamanites and “thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord … and were converted” (Alma 23). And how do we know they were converted?
Because they took action. They changed who they were. They went as far as to change their name to the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, and “they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man’s blood, and they did bury them up deep in the earth.” (Alma 24) We learn that their conversion was so strong that they “never did fall away” (Alma 23).
As members of Christ’s church is this not what we all want? To be so deeply converted that we also never fall away.
I would like to highlight 3 ways each of us can deepen our conversion:
(1) Immerse yourself in the scriptures
President Russell M. Nelson once said, "I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that 'if thou shalt seek, thou shalt find; and if thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.'"
These words remind us of the power and importance of seeking personal revelation through the scriptures. As we immerse ourselves in the word of God, we open our hearts to receive knowledge, insights, and blessings that can transform our lives and deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
(2) Serve others
Elder Marvin J. Aston recounted a story of a “fireside address held with a group of adult Latter-day Saints. The leader directing the discussion invited participation by asking the question: ‘How can you tell if someone is converted to Jesus Christ?’ For forty-five minutes those in attendance made numerous suggestions in response to this question, and the leader carefully wrote down each answer on a large blackboard. All of the comments were thoughtful and appropriate. But after a time, this great teacher erased everything he had written. Then,
acknowledging that all of the comments had been worthwhile and appreciated, he taught a vital principle: [He said] ‘The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.’
Elder Bednar taught the same principle, is his book Power to Become:
“One of the greatest indicators of righteous character [or conversion] is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. …in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Therefore, character [or conversion] is demonstrated by looking, turning, and reaching outward when the instinctive response of the natural man in each of us is to turn inward and to be selfish and
self-absorbed.”
Of all gospel principles, I have the strongest testimony of how serving others helps us as much as those we serve. As President Spencer Kimball taught, “Only when you lift a burden, God will lift your burden. Divine paradox this! The man who staggers and falls because his burden is too great can lighten that burden by taking on the weight of another’s burden. You get by giving…”
(3) Repent
Growing up repentance always carried a negative meaning for me. It was something you had to do when you didn’t measure up. But, when President Nelson taught us so expertly that “when Jesus asks you and me to ‘repent,’ He is inviting us to change”, this completely transformed my view of this essential gospel principle. No longer was repentance a punishment for falling down. Instead, it is the continual process of becoming better. I can do that.
In my own life, I have experienced the power of conversion and the healing balm of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Like the Lamanites, I have felt the transforming power of the gospel as I have turned to the Savior in times of trial and difficulty. Through sincere repentance and a deepening commitment to living His teachings, I have felt His love and grace working in my life, guiding me and strengthening me along the path of discipleship.
Repentance and conversion both mean change! If we continually work to repent, to become better, our conversion will inevitably deepen. Elder Richard G. Scott stated that “true conversion is the fruit of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience. Faith comes by hearing the word of God and responding to it. … You will be led to repent of errors... As a consequence, your capacity to consistently obey will be strengthened. This cycle of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience will lead you to greater conversion.”
The conversion of the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon is seen as a symbol of redemption and the universal reach of Christ's atonement. It serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the saving grace of Jesus Christ and that through faith and repentance, anyone can experience a change of heart and embrace the teachings of the gospel.
I testify that as we immerse ourselves in the scriptures, pray with faith, partake of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and serve others with love, our conversion deepens, our testimonies grow stronger, and our lives become filled with the light of Christ.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.