Conference Parables – Memorable stories in General Conference by those who told them.
“We know what is right, but we delay full spiritual involvement because of laziness, fear, rationalization, or lack of faith. We convince ourselves that someday I’m going to do it.” -Elder Hallstrom
Taken from October 2007 General Conference Talk “Do It Now” by Donald L. Hallstrom. You can find the talk on LDS.org by Clicking HERE
Written on Our Hearts
I once heard Brad Wilcox compare waiting to repent to that of cramming for a test. When you cram for a test, you forget the information after the test. The Lord wants it written on our hearts and make it a part of us.
Taken from 1989 First Presidency Message “A Mighty Change of Heart”:
“In the usual sense of the term, Church membership means that a person has his or her name officially recorded on the membership records of the Church…But the Lord defines a member of His kingdom in quite a different way. In 1828, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, He said, “Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.” (D&C 10:67; italics added.) To Him whose Church this is, membership involves far more than simply being a member of record.”
-President Ezra Taft Benson
For Further Study
For further study, I suggest reading the whole First Presidency’s message by Clicking HERE
It ends with President Benson teaching six principles.
“So, my beloved brothers and sisters, as we seek to qualify to be members of Christ’s Church—members in the sense in which He uses the term, members who have repented and come unto Him—let us remember these six principles. First, the gospel is the Lord’s plan of happiness, and repentance is designed to bring us joy. Second, true repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. Third, true repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior. Fourth, part of this mighty change of heart is to feel godly sorrow for our sins. This is what is meant by a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Fifth, God’s gifts are sufficient to help us overcome every sin and weakness if we will but turn to Him for help. Finally, we must remember that most repentance does not involve sensational or dramatic changes, but rather is a step-by-step, steady, and consistent movement toward godliness.
If we will strive to incorporate these principles into our lives and implement them on a daily basis, we shall then qualify to be more than members of record in the Church of Jesus Christ. As true members, we have claim to His promise: “Whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” (D&C 10:69.)
For FREE PDF Download of two beautiful quotes on repentance, Click HERE
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Yours Truly,
