Be Ye Converted

Be Ye Converted

By: Bonnie L. Oscarson

Young Women general President

What Stood out to me:

1. True conversion is more than merely having a knowledge of gospel principles and implies even more than just having a testimony of those principles. It is possible to have a testimony of the gospel without living it. Being truly converted means we are acting upon what we believe and allowing it to create "a mighty change in us, or in our hearts."

2. The Lord expects us to exercise faith.

3. In our world where instant gratification is the expectation, we are often guilty of expecting the reward without having to work for it.

4. True conversion occurs as you continue to act upon the doctrines you know are true and keep the commandments, day after day, month after month.

5. It is well to remember that no matter how inspired your parents and youth leaders may be, "you have [the] primary responsibility for your own conversion. No one can force you to be converted.

6. Conversion takes place as we are diligent about saying our prayers, studying our scriptures, attending church, and being worthy to participate in temple ordinances. Conversion comes as we act upon righteous principles we learn in our homes and in the classroom. Conversion comes as we live pure and virtuous lives and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Conversion comes as we understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ, acknowledge Him as our Savior and Redeemer, and allow the Atonement to take effect in our lives.

7. Your personal conversion will help you as you prepare to make covenants in the temple, serve missions, and establish your own future homes. As you are converted, you will have a desire to share with others what you have learned, and your confidence and ability to testify to others with conviction and power will increase. This desire to share the gospel with others and the confidence to testify boldly are natural results of true conversion.

8. A person who has experienced true conversion draws upon the power of the Atonement and receives salvation for his or her own soul, then reaches out to exert a powerful influence upon all those who know him or her.

9. Living the gospel and standing in holy places is not always easy or comfortable, but I testify that it is worth it!