How to Be a Better Parent: Preparing Our Children for The Fight Against Evil - Lessons from the War Chapters of the Book of Mormon

What lessons can we learn for today in the War Chapters of the Book of Mormon? Decide for yourself of how these might relate to today’s fight against evil. How can you apply these in your own family or situation?

Elder Bednar did a great job listing some the lessons we learn from the war chapters:

David A. Bednar, BYUI, 2003

Have you ever wondered why so much is recorded in the Book of Mormon about war? There are approximately 100 recorded instances of armed conflict in the Book of Mormon. The word war occurs 132 times in the Book of Mormon. The war chapters of Alma 43-63 alone include more than 50 pages- approximately 10 percent of the entire Book of Mormon.

Why so much about war? And how do the descriptions of wars and battles help us today in seeking the gift of courage? President Benson taught:

The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told [Mormon] what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day (President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1975, p. 94).

Let me suggest that one of the primary reasons so much information is recorded about war in the Book of Mormon is to help you and me in these latter days appropriately seek the gift of courage.

What lessons do we learn about courage and war in The Book of Mormon?

·         We learn about the strategies and tactics of those who oppose righteousness

·         The defensive and protective strategies and tactics of the righteous.

·         We learn that the righteous can be strengthened in battle by the hand of the Lord.

·         And perhaps most importantly, we learn that small groups of the righteous can escape from the grasp of their enemies or emerge victorious against overwhelming opposing numbers and weaponry.

What Worked in the Past Isn’t Enough: Prepare in a Manner “Which has Never Been Known” Alma 49:8

Note this warning given by President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency:

“As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough. And whatever growth in spiritual strength we once thought was possible, greater growth will be made available to us. Both the need for spiritual strength and the opportunity to acquire it will increase at rates which we underestimate at our peril” (“Always” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults], Jan. 3, 1999, 3, ldsces.org).

Alma 43 - How did Moroni prepare against the evil of Zerahemnah? (an army twice as numerous)

1.      vs. 19 - Captain Moroni prepared his people with armor and thick clothing

2.      vs. 23 - Captain Moroni sends spies to watch the enemy

3.      vs. 23 - Captain Moroni sends a messenger to Alma the prophet to have him ask the Lord where they should go

4.      vs. 48 - As his men begin to fear, Captain Moroni inspires his men with the truth of their cause

5.      vs. 49 - they cry to the Lord for help and in vs. 50 In the selfsame hour that they cry to the Lord, they stand with power against their enemies.

6.      Alma 44:9  Zerahemnah, leader of their enemies, denies that it was the Lord who gave the Nephites the victory.

Alma 48 - How did Moroni prepare against the evil of Amalakiah?

1.      vs. 7 - Captain Moroni was “preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord.

2.      vs. 8 - Captain Moroni erected small forts, or places of resort to enclose his armies, and built walls of stone to encircle them about.

3.      vs. 9 - Captain Moroni fortified their weakest places by placing the greater number of men.

Ensign Article by By Kerry Hanson Jensen, 1/16

I began to feel a sense of helplessness and vulnerability in protecting my children. I unexpectedly found reassurance in 1 Nephi 15. Nephi is explaining Lehi’s vision of the tree of life to Laman and Lemuel when they ask the meaning of the river of water. Nephi answers in verse 27: “And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water”. Lehi’s mind was focused on the tree of life and getting his family to it to partake of its fruit! He didn’t even see the filthiness because of this focus.

That was the answer! Keeping inappropriate media out of our home was a start, but a more direct and conscious effort to teach our children the gospel is what would ultimately be their best defense against anything that could lead them away.

Alma 58 - How did the Lord strengthen the people against their enemies?

1.      Helaman and the Stripling Warriors poured out their souls for strength vs. 10

2.      The Lord did visit them with assurances and did speak peace to their souls vs. 11

3.      The Lord did grant unto them great faith and did cause that they should hope for deliverance. vs. 11

Other Resources:

Alma 50: 23 never had been a happier time among the Nephites

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng&query=%22Captain+Moroni%22

Elder Richard G. Scott

In between the many battles, Captain Moroni directed fortification of the weakest cities. “He caused that they should build a breastwork of timbers upon the inner bank of the ditch; and they cast up dirt out of the ditch against the breastwork of timbers … until they had encircled the city … with a strong wall of timbers and earth, to an exceeding height.”14 Captain Moroni understood the importance of fortifying the weak areas to create strength.15

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/prepared-in-a-manner-that-never-had-been-known?lang=eng&query=%22Captain+Moroni%22

Linda C. Reeves

As I am again reading about Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon, I am reminded that one of Moroni’s greatest accomplishments was his careful preparation of the Nephites to withstand the frightening Lamanite army. He prepared his people so well that we read, “Behold, to [the Lamanites’] uttermost astonishment, [the Nephites] were prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known.”3

That phrase, “prepared … in a manner which never had been known,” really caught my attention.

How can we better prepare for sacred temple blessings? The Lord taught, “And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things.”4Let’s consider a scriptural pattern to help us prepare well. Moroni’s preparation for the enemy took consistent and faithful diligence, and this pattern will require the same.

Women: Should Mothers Work? A Gospel Perspective

Should mother's work outside the home? This can be a hard decision with many factors to consider. There is definitely an endless amount of advise on this from a worldly standpoint. I would suggest that we prayerfully ask for humility as we study the words of the prophets to find the right answers for ourselves. Sometimes life doesn't give us a choice, but when it does, the blessings of following the prophets can't be measured.

Read this great collection of quotes from various prophets about mother's working: Eternal Marriage Student Manual, page 237-40. Here is one of the quotes: 

“One apparent impact of the women’s movement has been the feelings of discontent it has created among young women who have chosen the role of wife and mother. They are often made to feel that there are more exciting and self-fulfilling roles for women than housework, diaper changing, and children calling for mother. This view loses sight of the eternal perspective that God elected women to the noble role of mother and that exaltation is eternal fatherhood and eternal motherhood. [‘To the Elect Women of the Kingdom of God,’ Nauvoo Illinois Relief Society Dedication, 30 June 1978.]” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 506–7, 548–49).

Here are a few other quotes that have helped me find joy in raising my children:

Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness," October 1996

One of Satan’s most effective approaches is to demean the role of wife and mother in the home. This is an attack at the very heart of God’s plan to foster love between husband and wife and to nurture children in an atmosphere of understanding, peace, appreciation, and support. Much of the violence that is rampant in the world today is the harvest of weakened homes. Government and social plans will not effectively correct that, nor can the best efforts of schools and churches fully compensate for the absence of the tender care of a compassionate mother and wife in the home.

This morning President Hinckley spoke of the importance of a mother in the home. Study his message. As a mother guided by the Lord, you weave a fabric of character in your children from threads of truth through careful instruction and worthy example. You imbue the traits of honesty, faith in God, duty, respect for others, kindness, self-confidence, and the desire to contribute, to learn, and to give in your trusting children’s minds and hearts. No day-care center can do that. It is your sacred right and privilege.

Of course, as a woman you can do exceptionally well in the workplace, but is that the best use of your divinely appointed talents and feminine traits? As a husband, don’t encourage your wife to go to work to help in your divinely appointed responsibility of providing resources for the family, if you can possibly avoid it. As the prophets have counseled, to the extent possible with the help of the Lord, as parents, work together to keep Mother in the home.²² Your presence there will strengthen the self-confidence of your children and decrease the chance of emotional challenges. Moreover, as you teach truth by word and example, those children will come to understand who they are and what they can obtain as divine children of Father in Heaven.

President Hinckley "To the Women of the Church, 2003:

Then we have you older women who are neither young nor old. You are in the most wonderful season of your lives. Your children are in their teens. Possibly one or two are married. Some are on missions, and you are sacrificing to keep them in the field. You are hoping and praying for their success and happiness. To you dear women I offer some special counsel.

Count your blessings; name them one by one. You don't need a great big mansion of a house with an all-consuming mortgage that goes on forever. You do need a comfortable and pleasant home where love abides. Someone has said that there is no more beautiful picture than that of a good woman cooking a meal for those she loves. Weigh carefully that which you do. You do not need some of the extravagances that working outside the home might bring. Weigh carefully the importance of your being in the home when your children come from school.

Mothers, take good care of your daughters. Be close to them. Listen to them. Talk with them. Lead them from doing foolish things. Guide them into doing the right thing. See that they dress in a comely and modest fashion. Safeguard them from the terrible evils that are all about them.

Nurture your sons with love and counsel. Teach them the importance of personal cleanliness, of neatness in their dress. Sloppy ways lead to sloppy lives. Instill in them a sense of discipline. Keep them worthy of service to the Church as missionaries. Give them things to do so that they may learn to work. Teach them to be frugal. Labor and frugality lead to prosperity. Teach them that nothing really good happens after 11 o'clock at night. And do not spoil them. If they go on missions, they may be compelled to live in circumstances that you would not wish for them. Do not worry about them. Give them encouragement.

Stir within your children the desire for education. This is the latchkey to success in life. And at the same time, teach them that as President David O. McKay was wont to remind us, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home." 1

Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Power of Correct Principles," May 1993

“When as mothers, you are consistently in the home, at least during the hours the children are predominantly there, you can detect the individual needs of each child and provide ways to satisfy them.  Your divinely given instincts help sense a child’s special talents and unique capacities so that you can nurture and strengthen them.

Recently I reviewed the history of many missionaries and found a powerful correlation between exceptional missionaries and mothers who chose to remain home, often at great financial and personal sacrifice.

How grateful you mothers of youth like these must feel as you see some of the fruits of your sacrifice.  You have a vision of the power of obediently, patiently teaching truth, because you look beyond the peanut butter sandwiches, soiled clothing, tedious hours of routine, struggles with homework, and long hours by a sickbed.

You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development.  It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’  But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?”

Now the most important principal I can share: Anchor our life in Jesus Christ, your Redeemer.  Make your Eternal Father and his Beloved Son the most important priority in your life--more important than life itself, more important than a beloved companion or children or anyone on earth.  Make their will your central desire.  Then all that you need for happiness will come to you.” 

Elder L. Tom Perry, “Mothers Teaching Children in The Home, April 2010”

My mother understood the value of teaching her children about standards, values, and doctrine while they were young. While she was grateful to others who taught her children outside the home at either school or church, she recognized that parents are entrusted with the education of their children and, ultimately, parents must ensure that their children are being taught what their Heavenly Father would have them learn. My siblings and I were quizzed very carefully by our mother after we had been taught away from the home to be certain the correct lessons were reaching our ears and shaping our minds.

Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents.

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.

I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.

Conversion: Desires & Capacity

Richard G. Scott, “Do What Is Right,” CES Fireside 3 March 1996.

You are at a time of life when there are many critically important decisions to be made, and you are understandably unsure of your capacity to make them. Over time, that capacity will increase and grow stronger until it becomes easier and easier to automatically do the right things.

Every time you make the right choice in the face of potential criticism, you build strength that makes it easier the next time. The reverse is also true. Satan counts on that.
Your decisions are like switch points on a railroad system. They determine where you will end up in life. When you consistently make the right choices, you are the happiest.

You will learn that it is easiest over the long run to stand for what is right and do the difficult thing to begin with. Once you take that position, following through is not too hard. An individual who cuts corners and justifies some departure from true standards, for whatever reason, finds that seeds are planted that produce problems later. Those problems are far more difficult to overcome than taking a correct stand initially.

Richard G. Scott, Full Conversion Brings Happiness, Ensign, May 2002

1) Each of us has observed how some individuals go through life consistently doing the right things. When difficult choices are to be made, they seem to invariably make the right ones, even though there were enticing alternatives available to them. We know that they are subject to temptation, but they seem oblivious to it.

2) Likewise, we have observed how others are not so valiant in the decisions they make.  In a powerfully spiritual environment, they resolve to do better, to change their course of life, to set aside debilitating habits. They are very sincere in their determination to change, yet they are soon back doing the same things they resolved to abandon.

3) What is it that makes the difference in the lives of these two groups? How can you consistently make the right choices? The scriptures give us insight.  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 receive from the Holy Ghost a confirming witness of things you accept on faith by willingly doing them.  You will be led to repent of errors resulting from wrong things done or right things not done.  As a consequence, your capacity to consistently obey will be strengthened.

4) This cycle of faith, repentance, and consistent obediencewill lead you to greater conversion with its attendant blessings. True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you
know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the circumstances.

Robert D. Hales, “The Gift and Blessings of Agency,” Ensign, May 2006,  4–8

Agency is the catalyst that leads us to express our inward spiritual desires in outward Christlike behavior.  I testify that agency is strengthened by our faith and obedience. 

Neal A. Maxwell, “Becoming a Disciple,” Ensign, Jun 1996,  12

Sometimes, as we commence taking up the cross, we ignore or neglect the first part of Jesus’ instruction. He said, “Deny [yourselves], and take up [your] cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). 
This self-denial is especially challenging in a world filled with so many sensual and secular stimuli.
Denying oneself has never been popular as a lifestyle, and it is clearly not today.

What is it that we are to deny ourselves? Any appetites or actions which produce not only the seven deadly sins but all the others. Happily, self-denial, when we practice it, brings great relief.  Self denial also includes not letting our hearts become too set on any trivial or worldly thing. Then we can learn the great lessons about the relationship of righteousness to the powers and the joys of heaven.

The fundamental fact is that if we do not deny ourselves, we are diverted. Even if not wholly consumed with the things of the world, we are still diverted sufficiently to make serious discipleship impossible. As a consequence, all the gifts and talents God has given us are not put meekly on the altar to serve others and to please God. Instead, we withhold to please ourselves. Diversion, therefore, is not necessarily gross transgression, but it is a genuine deprivation, especially if we consider what we might have become and what more we might have done to bless and to help others.

By denying the desires of the natural man to the degree that they exist in each of us, we avoid this diversion, making it easier for us to take up the cross of discipleship.

So it is that discipleship is to choose joy over pleasure. It is to opt for the things of eternity over the trendy and appealing things of the moment. Eventually, we become readied for the final moment of consecration, when, gladly and completely, we let our wills be swallowed up in the will of the Father. Jesus did this in Gethsemane, where he said, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). What was God’s will? That Jesus complete the Atonement. Even so, Jesus prayed, “Take away this cup from me” (Mark 14:36); and still later he cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Yet Jesus yielded.

The Great Pivot

Is it possible to develop discipleship when one has no initial, inner desires for discipleship? Can we plant inner desires in someone against his or her will? External exhortation of such individuals won’t usually produce much change. For most of us, however, even when the inner desire is there, it requires periodic sharpening by outward circumstances to quicken any existing inner desires and to get us to act upon them. 

Richard G. Scott, “Do What Is Right,” CES Fireside 3 March 1996.

You are at a time of life when there are many critically important decisions to be made, and you are understandably unsure of your capacity to make them. You live in a world where it is increasingly more difficult to assure that your worthy dreams and aspirations will come true by avoiding the allurements and temptations that Satan would put in your path to destroy you. You may have doubts about your own self-worth. You want to be accepted. You have questions about your future and about how to gain true and enduring friendships. You want to find an eternal companion who has the same deep desire to live worthily and to accomplish much of good in this life.

You are growing in spiritual discipline—that is, your ability to discern the promptings of the Spirit and your capacity to follow them. Over time, that capacity will increase and grow stronger until it becomes easier and easier to automatically do the right things. You have built a shield against temptation. But now, while that spiritual discipline is developing, you must be very careful to avoid choices that would take you from the path of happiness.

I have learned from personal experience how being helped to make the right decision at a critical time can bless your entire life. I have also seen by working closely with individuals who made wrong decisions how devastating that can be on the rest of their lives. My intent is to give you suggestions on how to be sure you make the right choices. I will share four personal experiences that taught me important lessons, with a sincere desire to help you gain confidence in making the right choices consistently in your life.Then I will try to identify how Satan works so that you will be more prepared to avoid the pitfalls he will place in your path.
In college I was given the privilege of joining a very elect honorary engineering society. As I attended the initiatory activities, everyone was drinking. I asked for a soft drink and was handed a glass. As I raised it to my lips, I could smell alcohol. I looked around the room. All the eyes were on me. These were professionals who had just given me a great honor. Should I pretend to drink so as not to offend? No. I set the glass down and then noticed that three other inductees also set their glasses aside. Do what is right, and others will follow your example. Every time you make the right choice in the face of potential criticism, you build strength that makes it easier the next time. The reverse is also true. Satan counts on that.

I grew up in a home where my father was not a member of the Church and my mother was less active. That all changed later, and they spent much of their life as temple workers. With that background I didn’t know much about the Church, even though I thought I did. When I was about to graduate from the university, the Lord brought an angel into my life. Her name was Jeanene Watkins. She was a beautiful girl. It took me a long time to date her because so many others recognized her wonderful qualities. As we began to date, I discovered that she was all I had ever dreamed of finding. I fell completely in love with her. I could tell she had deep feelings for me also. 

One night when we were talking about the future, she carefully wove into the conversation an important comment. She said, “When I marry, it will be to a returned missionary in the temple.” I don’t remember anything else she said. I hadn’t thought much about a mission and didn’t understand much about temple marriage. I went home and couldn’t think of anything else. I was awake all night. I couldn’t do anything at the university the next day. Soon I was at the bishop’s office, having prayed about the importance of a mission. Jeanene and I both went on missions and when we returned were sealed in the temple. Much later I came to realize that she would have left me had I not made the right choices. Jeanene’s courage in standing up for her dream of a temple marriage to a returned missionary, regardless of her love for me, has made all of the difference in our lives together. I will never be able to thank her adequately for not compromising her righteous dreams.

Your decisions are like switch points on a railroad system. They determine where you will end up in life. When you consistently make the right choices, you are the happiest, receive the greatest personal growth, and have the most productive life. When you make the wrong choices, you may find yourself at an entirely different destination than you want. While there is the process of repentance to come back, it is often painful and sometimes leaves permanent physical scars that cannot be cured as well as your spirit can.

At one time I worked on the immediate staff of a very hardworking, demanding, misunderstood man who became the father of the nuclear navy that provided great protection for the United States at a critical time in world conditions. His name is Hyman Rickover. I have great respect for him. 

After 11 years in that service, I received a call from the First Presidency to preside over a mission. I knew I would have to tell Admiral Rickover immediately. As I explained the call and that it would mean I would have to quit my job, he became rather excited. He said some unrepeatable things, broke the paper tray on his desk, and in the comments that followed, clearly established two points: “Scott, what you are doing in this defense program is so vital that it will take a year to replace you, so you can’t go. Second, if you do go, you are a traitor to your country.”

I said, “I can train my replacement in the two remaining months, and there won’t be any risk to the country.”

There was more conversation, and he finally said, “I never will talk to you again. I don’t want to see you again. You are finished, not only here, but don’t ever plan to work in the nuclear field again.”

I responded, “Admiral, you can bar me from the office, but unless you prevent me, I am going to turn this assignment over to another individual.”

He asked, “What’s the name of the man who wants you?”

I told him, “President David O. McKay.”

He added, “If that’s the way Mormons act, I don’t want any of them working for me.”

I knew he would try to call President McKay (1873–1970), who was ill, and that conversation would benefit no one. I also knew that in the Idaho Falls area there were many members of the Church whose families depended upon their working in our program. I didn’t want to cause them harm. I also knew that I had been called by the Lord. I didn’t know what to do. Then, the words of the song we sang tonight began to run through my mind: “Do what is right; let the consequence follow” (Hymns, number 237). 

While I had never contacted a General Authority in my life, I had been interviewed by Elder Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, so I had a feeling to call him. I explained that the admiral would try to call President McKay and would make some negative comments, but everything was all right and I would be able to accept my call. While doing that, my heart kept saying, “Is this going to turn out all right or will somebody be innocently hurt who depends on our program for livelihood?” The song would come back: “Do what is right; let the consequence follow.” True to his word, the admiral ceased to speak to me. When critical decisions had to be made, he would send a messenger or I would communicate through a third party. We accomplished the changeover.

On my last day in the office I asked for an appointment with him, and his secretary gasped. I went with a copy of the Book of Mormon in my hand. He looked at me and said, “Sit down, Scott. What do you have? I have tried every way I can to force you to change. What is it you have?”

There followed a very interesting, quiet conversation. There was more listening this time. He said he would read the Book of Mormon. Then something I never thought would occur happened. He added, “When you come back from the mission, I want you to call me. There will be a job for you.”


You will learn that it is easiest over the long run to stand for what is right and do the difficult thing to begin with. Once you take that position, following through is not too hard. An individual who cuts corners and justifies some departure from true standards, for whatever reason, finds that seeds are planted that produce problems later. Those problems are far more difficult to overcome than taking a correct stand initially.

Conversion: Book of Mormon Scriptures which Teach about Conversion

2 Ne 4:31-32 Wilt thou make me that I man shake at the appearance of sin? ...that I may be strict in the plain road!

2 Ne 31:20 Where ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men, Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Omni 1 :26 I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him. [Elder Bednar quotes this then says: But earnestly coming unto Him and giving our whole souls as an offering requires much more than merely knowing. Conversion requires all of our heart, all of our might, and all of our mind and strength (see D&C 4:2).]

Mosiah 3:19 For the natural man is an enemy to God and has been from the fall of Adam and will be forever and ever unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Mosiah 5:2,4 We know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a might change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken that has brought us to this great knowledge.

Mosiah 5:15 I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven.

Mosiah 18:8-10 As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and are willing to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to morn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places... what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord as a witness before him...that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Alma 5:14 Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this might change in your hearts?

Alma 7:15 Lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction.

Helaman 15:7 –8 [Elder Bednar: Samuel the Lamanite identified five basic elements in becoming converted unto the Lord: (1) believing in the teachings and prophecies of the holy prophets as they are recorded in the scriptures, (2) exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, (3) repenting, (4) experiencing a mighty change of heart, and (5) becoming “firm and steadfast in the faith.” This is the pattern that leads to conversion.]

3 Nephi 9:20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

Be Converted that I May Heal You (The connection between conversion and being healed)

3 Nephi 9:13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

Isaiah 6:10 lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Matthew 13:15 Lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

D&C 112:13 And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

(For more on the pattern found in these four scriptures, see Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk, "Jesus Christ—the Master Healer.”)

Conversion: The Healing Power of Conversion and the Heart

THE HEALING POWER OF CONVERSION

·         Elder Marion G. Romney, “Conversion,”  Conference Report, October 1963

It is about conversion and the healing which attends it that I wish to speak. Conversion is effected by divine forgiveness, which remits sins. The sequence is something like this. An honest seeker hears the message. He asks the Lord in prayer if it is true. The Holy Spirit gives him a witness. This is a testimony. If one's testimony is strong enough, he repents and obeys the commandments. By such obedience he receives divine forgiveness which remits sin. Thus he is converted to a newness of life. His spirit is healed.

Always the remittance of sins which attends divine forgiveness heals the spirit. This accounts for the fact that in the scriptures conversion and healing are repeatedly associated.

For example, in 1837 the Lord said, “I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them." (D&C 112:12-13)

Getting people's spirits healed through conversion is the only way they can be healed.

Russell M. Nelson, “Jesus Christ—the Master Healer,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 85”

 “Afflictions can come from spiritual as well as physical causes. We can more fully repent! We can become more fully converted! Then the “Son of Righteousness” can more fully bless us by His healing hand.

Early in His mortal ministry, Jesus announced that He had been sent “to heal the brokenhearted.”  Wherever He taught them, His pattern was consistent. As I quote His words spoken at four different times and locations, note the pattern.

• To people of the Holy Land, the Lord said that His people “should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” 15

• To people of ancient America, the resurrected Lord extended this invitation: “Return unto me, … repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you.” 3 Ne. 9:13

• To leaders of His Church, He taught, “Continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them.” 3 Ne. 18:32

• Later, the Lord taught the Prophet Joseph Smith regarding the pioneers, “After their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.” D&C 112:13

The sequence of His pattern is significant. Faith, repentance, baptism, a testimony, and enduring conversion lead to the healing power of the Lord. Baptism is a covenant act—a sign of a commitment and a promise. Testimony develops when the Holy Ghost gives conviction to the earnest seeker of the truth. True testimony fosters faith; it promotes repentance and obedience to God’s commandments. Testimony engenders enthusiasm to serve God and fellow human beings.  Conversion means “to turn with.”  Conversion is a turning from the ways of the world to, and staying with, the ways of the Lord. Conversion includes repentance and obedience. Conversion brings a mighty change of heart. Thus, a true convert is “born again,” walking with a newness of life.

Scriptural Theme:  The Heart

Ezekial 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 36:26 “A new heart also will I give you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

Jeremiah 31:33  “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 97–99

Since 1967, over 75,000 heart transplants have been performed worldwide.  In each heart transplant recipient, the patient’s own body recognizes the new heart as “foreign” and begins to attack it.

Medicines can suppress this natural response, but the medications must be taken daily and with exactness. Occasional heart biopsies are performed wherein small pieces of heart tissue are removed and then examined under a microscope [for signs of rejection].

Surprisingly, some patients become casual with their transplanted hearts. They skip their medicines here and there and obtain the needed follow-up less frequently than they should. They think that because they feel good, all is well.

The Lord explained the operation that we all need: [In Ezekiel 36:26 He says], “A new heart also will I give you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

Enduring to the end can be challenging because the tendency of the natural man is to reject the spiritually changed heart and allow it to harden. We need to frequently biopsy our mightily changed hearts and reverse any signs of early rejection.  

Conversion: The Conversion Cycle

Full Conversion Brings Happiness Richard G. Scott, Ensign, May 2002, 24

Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion.

1) Each of us has observed how some individuals go through life consistently doing the right things. When difficult choices are to be made, they seem to invariably make the right ones, even though there were enticing alternatives available to them. We know that they are subject to temptation, but they seem oblivious to it.

2) Likewise, we have observed how others are not so valiant in the decisions they make.  In a powerfully spiritual environment, they resolve to do better, to change their course of life, to set aside debilitating habits. They are very sincere in their determination to change, yet they are soon back doing the same things they resolved to abandon.

3) What is it that makes the difference in the lives of these two groups? How can you consistently make the right choices? The scriptures give us insight. Consider enthusiastic, impetuous Peter. For three years he had served as an Apostle beside the Master, observing miracles and hearing transforming teachings.   Yet with all of this, the Savior could see that Peter still lacked consistency. In the Bible, we read:

4) “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you. … But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”  Certainly these were not, from the perspective of Peter, idle words. He sincerely meant what he said but would act otherwise.

5) Later, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus prophesied to His disciples, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night.” Peter again responded, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Then the Master soberly prophesied, “Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt deny me thrice.” To which Peter responded more vehemently, “If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise.”

6) For me, one of the most poignant passages of scripture describes what then occurred. It is a sobering reminder to each of us that knowing to do right, even ardently desiring to do right, is not enough. It is often very hard to actually do what we clearly know we should do.

7) How then can you become truly converted? President Romney describes the steps you must follow:

·         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 and obedience.

·         Conversion is the fruit or the reward for repentance and obedience.”

8) 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 receive from the Holy Ghost a confirming witness of things you accept on faith by willingly doing them.  You will be led to repent of errors resulting from wrong things done or right things not done.  As a consequence, your capacity to consistently obey will be strengthened.


9) This cycle of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience
will lead you to greater conversion with its attendant blessings.
True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you
know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the
circumstances.

Conversion: How to Become Truly Converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Jeremiah 31:33  I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

WHAT IS CONVERSION?

·         Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge toBecome", Ensign, Nov. 2000

The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.

·         Elder Marion G. Romney, “Conversion,”  Conference Report, October 1963

"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32.) From this it would appear that membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily synonymous. Being converted, as we are here using the term, 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 and obedience to the commandments. Conversion, on the other hand, is the fruit of, or the reward for, repentance and obedience. (Of course one's testimony continues to increase as he is converted.)

·         
Elder Marion G. Romney, “Conversion,”  Conference Report, October 1963

 “As used in the scriptures, "converted" generally implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and in his gospel-a faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one's understanding of life's meaning and in his allegiance to God-in interest, in thought, and in conduct.” 

M. Russell Ballard

“Among other things, Elder Ballard shared some feelings of the Brethren about conversion.  He indicated that President Hinckley has expressed concern that some people in the church have mental but not spiritual conversion.  The gospel appeals to them, but real conversion is when they feel something in their hearts, and not just in their minds.  There is mental assent, but not spiritual conviction.  They must be touched by the power of the Holy Ghost which creates a spiritual experience.  The power and deep conversion of the Spirit is needed by our members to get into their hearts to confirm what they agreed to in their minds.  This will carry them through every storm of adversity.”  

Bruce R. McConkie, "Be Ye Converted," BYU First Stake Conference, 11 February 1968, found in Sermons and Writings of Bruce R. McConkie

Peter had a testimony. Peter had worked miracles; he had been in the ministry. There is a difference, as is evident from this, between having a testimony and being converted. It is only fair, and it is also essential to the story, to say that the reason Peter was not converted in the full sense is that the time had not then arrived when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the people. This came later; it was the promised endowment that they got on the day of Pentecost.

A person may get converted in a moment, miraculously. That is what happened to Alma the younger. But with most people, the conversion is a process; and it goes step by step, degree by degree, level by level, from a lower state to a higher, from grace to grace, until the time that the individual is wholly turned to the cause of righteousness. Now, this means that an individual overcomes one sin today and another sin tomorrow.

The Holy Ghost does two things in particular. On the one hand he is a witness to truth, and so he bears the testimony of the truth, and that is how we get a testimony, by revelation from the Holy Ghost. But on the other hand the Holy Spirit is a sanctifier, and he has the power to cleanse and perfect the human soul, to wash evil and iniquity out, and to replace it with righteousness. And that is the occasion when we are converted.

HOW DO WE BECOME TRULY CONVERTED?

M. Russell Ballard,“Now Is the Time,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 75

“True conversion comes through the power of the Spirit. When the Spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed. When individuals, both members and investigators, feel the Spirit working with them, or when they see the evidence of the Lord’s love and mercy in their lives, they are edified and strengthened spiritually and their faith in Him increases. These experiences with the Spirit follow naturally when a person is willing to experiment upon the word. This is how we come to feel the gospel is true.

A most significant evidence of our conversion and of how we feel about the gospel in our own lives is our willingness to share it with others and to help missionaries find someone to teach. The likelihood of lasting conversion greatly increases when a nonmember has a friend or a relative who radiates the joy of being a member of the Church. The influence of members of the Church is very powerful. I believe that’s why President Hinckley asked us to see that everyone has a friend (see “Converts and Young Men,” Ensign, May 1997, 47)

Elder Richard G. Scott, The Sustaining Power of Faith

You can learn to use faith more effectively by applying this principle taught by Moroni: “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Thus, every time you try your faith, that is, act in worthiness on an impression, you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. Those feelings will fortify your faith. As you repeat that pattern, your faith will become stronger. The Lord knows your needs. When you ask with honesty and real intent, He will prompt you to do that which will increase your ability to act in faith.

Susan W. Tanner, YW General President, “Written in the Fleshy Tables of the Heart,” Spring 2005
Here, then, is an important key to our success in accelerating the Lord’s work. As active members of the Church, and especially as priesthood and auxiliary leaders, we need to do more to assist in the process of conversion, retention, and activation. We know that faithful members desire to serve, but sometimes we lose sight of the essential outcomes that our faith and works ought to produce in strengthening the commitment of our Father’s children to the gospel. “How can we as Young Women leaders facilitate conversion, this mighty change within the hearts of the young women we serve?  The scriptures reiterate again and again that the real teacher is the Holy Ghost.  A closely related subject to how we teach is how young women learn, how they internalize the gospel deep into their hearts. The Holy Ghost again is the facilitator. he “carrieth it unto the hearts” (2 Nephi 33:1). 

HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE HAVE BEEN TRULY CONVERTED?

·       Elder Marion G. Romney, “Conversion,” Conference Report, October 1963

In one who is really wholly converted, desire for things contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died. And substituted therefore is a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.”   

Mosiah 5:2 Because of the Spirit of the Lord which has wrought a might change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil.

Alma 13:12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence.

Alma 19:33 And they did all declare unto the people that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil.

Elder Marion G. Romney, “Conversion,” Conference Report, October 1963

Somebody recently asked how one could know when he is converted. The answer is simple. He may be assured of it when by the power of the Holy Spirit his soul is healed. When this occurs, he will recognize it by the way he feels, for he will feel as the people of Benjamin felt when they received remission of sins. The record says, . . . the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, . . ." (Mosiah 4:3.)