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.