Aloha! We’re honored to be here!
Just a week ago in General Conference, Elder Robert D. Hales offered valuable insight when he observed, “The Holy Ghost carries the word of the Lord to our hearts. [When I listen to conference], what is said is not as important as what I hear and what I feel.”1 I pray for that same Spirit to be with each of us today.
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Conversion Events
I’d like to begin by sharing the story of a great friend we met here in Hawaii. One day, not long after we arrived, David Nagaishi came to see me at the mission home. He asked for permission to have the missionaries teach him at his restaurant in Waikiki. His wife, Wendy, was serving as the Primary President in our home ward in Kahala, but he had never been interested in the Church – in fact, he was somewhat antagonistic. But somehow, the missionaries had made contact again, and this time, he was prepared to be taught, but he didn’t want Wendy to know! His request was a bit unusual, but we made the necessary arrangements, and the missionaries began teaching him in earnest.
In due time through his study and prayers, David gained a testimony and wanted to be baptized. The day came for his baptism. Everyone in the ward knew about it, everyone except Wendy! David was dressed in white and seated on the stand in the chapel. A very large congregation of ward members was secretly seated in the chapel too, but Wendy, with a little assistance from her counselor, was in a Primary “planning meeting” in another part of the building. Pretending to hear a commotion, her counselor suggested they go to the chapel to make sure everything was okay.
Now, you can imagine the scene! Wendy’s absolute surprise as she walked into a chapel full of ward members, and David sitting on the stand in baptismal clothing! In her shock (and to the delight of everyone else), she let out an audible, “He can’t be baptized. He hasn’t had the lessons and he hates the missionaries!” Well, David was baptized that day and began his faithful journey in the Church. A year or so later, David prepared to attend the temple and asked if I would be his escort. What a sacred privilege it was for me to accompany my friend to the temple! Today, he serves as the executive secretary in his ward, and he and Wendy have been sealed for eternity with their family. About a month ago, they took their son, Michael, to the MTC to begin his own mission to Japan. As you can guess, David no longer “hates” the missionaries!
That was just one of the special conversions we witnessed while serving here in Hawaii.
Let me share one more story about another friend. The missionaries introduced me to a man who had spent 34 long years in prison. He had been convicted in the death of another person. The missionaries found him not long after his release from prison. By now a very humble man, he soon sought baptism, recognizing its cleansing power for his past mistake. Perhaps you might sense his tremendous desire to be forgiven, but when a person has caused the death of another, he can’t be baptized without permission from the First Presidency.
After several searching interviews, I wrote a letter to the First Presidency detailing his crime, the penalties he had paid, and the evidence of his repentance, along with a request for permission to baptize him. The First Presidency, in their inspired wisdom and great love, granted permission to baptize him once he had faithfully attended Church for six more months. In frustration, you and I might say, “Six more months?!” But not my friend. During those intervening months, he not only attended Church, he regularly came 20 to 30 minutes before the start of sacrament meeting, so he could read his scriptures and contemplate the gospel in the chapel. (We could take a page from his book!)
There are not words adequate to describe the overwhelming joy I witnessed – and felt personally – as we descended the steps of the font together to perform his baptism! To come to the Savior and be clean. To know the power of the Atonement. To feel the incredible love of Our Father.
By raise of hands, how many of you have served missions? I suspect we could spend the rest of the day sharing similar stories from your experiences.
Through those kinds of stories, and many more memorable experiences, we, collectively, have witnessed the eternal love of Our Father for His children and the redeeming gift of the Atonement. We’ve seen, up close, the power of the gospel to change lives and to bring lasting happiness.
But as I’ve pondered over the months and years since, I’ve been impressed that the greatest changes involve more than just a conversion “event.” The great changes that alter our hearts and bring us to that point where “there is no more desire to do evil, but to do good continually”2 really occur in a conversion “process.”
Peter’s Conversion Process
If you will, let’s explore the conversion process of the Apostle Peter. After first hearing of the Savior from his brother, Peter, along with Andrew, was called by the Savior to “follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed Him.”3 Peter had experienced a conversion event, but was his conversion process complete? Of course not!
Elder Richard G. Scott notes, “For three years, Peter served as an Apostle beside the Master, observing miracles and hearing transforming teachings and private explanations of parables. With James and John, Peter experienced the glorious Transfiguration of Jesus Christ with accompanying visitations of Moses and Elijah.”4But was his conversion process complete?
Or was Peter’s conversion process complete when he had witnessed first-hand the Resurrection of the Christ? If so, why did Peter answer the disciple’s question of ‘what now,’ with “I go a fishing. [And] they [said] unto him, We also go with thee.”5
And yet, in time, the scriptures make abundantly clear that the conversion process was ultimately completed, and Peter became the powerful Apostle of testimony and miracles who sealed his declaration of the Christ with his own blood.
Joseph Smith’s Conversion Process
Consider the conversion process of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I bear my own testimony with certainty that the boy Joseph saw what he said he saw. He said:
“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me . . . When the light rested upon me, I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me . . . and said, pointing to the other, ‘[Joseph] This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him.’”6
The long night of Apostasy and darkness was over, but was Joseph’s conversion process complete? No. In fact, it was just starting, for, as Joseph explained, four years later, he petitioned the Lord for “a manifestation . . . that I might know of my state and standing before Him.7
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Even with the angelic visits of Moroni and John the Baptist or Peter, James and John or with visitations of Moses and Elijah or after the extraordinary appearance of the Savior in the Kirtland Temple, Joseph’s conversion process was to continue.
Fast forward with me to the winter of 1837-38 and the horrific conditions of Joseph and his companions in Liberty Jail. Cold, damp, dark, isolated, unjust, unfair, inhumane. Have you ever found yourself in what you might consider to be a similar place? In despair, Joseph petitioned the Lord once again, “O God, where art thou?”8There was nothing casual in his inquiry; instead, it was a frustrated cry for help and reaffirmation! But the Lord acknowledged the continuing conversion process in His reply: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”9
In time, just as with Peter, Joseph’s conversion process was completed. He bore powerful testimony of the Christ – “that He lives”10 – and sealed his mission and his work with his own blood.11 On that morning of his fateful journey to Carthage, his conversion enabled him to declare, “I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men.”12
The Savior’s Experience with the Process
Indeed, Our Savior Himself, though perfect as God, experienced, in His own way, the conversion process of mortality. The New Testament records that, “The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit . . . and wisdom.”13 And John bore witness, “That He received not of the fullness at the first . . . but continued from grace to grace, until He received a fullness.”14 Instead, He was to “go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; . . . He will take upon Him their infirmities . . . that He may know according to the flesh how to succor His people.”15
Application to You and Me
What then of you and me?
Is true conversion reserved for only a select few? No, for we know that Our Father desires eternal lives for each of His children!
But, is our path of conversion, then, to be somehow different than the process needed by the prophets? I think not.
Our conversion process may lie in our understanding of three keys concepts and our continued application of those concepts as we strive to serve others like the Savior and like the prophets have done. Let’s explore them together.
Conversion is an Attainable Process
First, we start by understanding that conversion, true conversion, is an attainable process for each of us. Like most processes, there is room for question and sometimes even doubt. It is often accompanied by ups and downs, contrasting moments of light and darkness. We are not expected to follow with blind obedience – indeed, in the long run, that probably won’t be adequate – but as President Uchtdorf counseled us last week, “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.”16 Indeed, we are expected to ask in faith with a sincere heart and with real intent.17 And when we do, we’ll find that the strength of the doctrines will always outweigh the questions and misconceptions of history!
I have always found comfort in the Lord’s counsel to Oliver Cowdery:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?”18
President Harold B. Lee acknowledged the process when he taught that “conversion must mean more than just being a ‘card carrying’ member of the church with a tithing receipt … [or] a temple recommend. [One who is converted] strive[s] continually to improve inward weaknesses and not merely the appearances.”19
That’s why we attend church or offer our personal prayers. The continuing process is why we give talks, prepare lessons, do our home teaching and visiting teaching, or serve in callings. To those who raised their hands as returned missionaries, or to those who are preparing now to go, may I “cast your mind back” to one of those moments you may have experienced, when, while you were in the middle of studying or teaching, you received the witness that the thing you were studying or teaching was true, never having known it with such certainty.
I was recently released as a YSA bishop, serving in a ward with a number of returned missionaries. I learned once again just how important it is that the conversion process continues after returning home – that just serving a mission can not be a substitute for continued growth and application after returning.
The conversion process is why we go to the temple – because that’s where we can receive quiet impressions and find spiritual answers that continue the process. A number of years ago, I walked in a hallway of the Mt. Timpanogos Temple with President Eyring. As we walked together, he asked an intriguing question, “What is the most important architectural feature of the temple?” How would you answer? Wanting to appear at least semi-intelligent, I responded, “Perhaps it’s the Angel Moroni.” “No” came the answer. After a couple of additional “intelligent” but incorrect guesses, he let me off the hook and said, “It’s the windows because they let in the light, and that’s what the temple is all about – letting in the light.”
Now, we have a magnificent temple – one of the earliest temples in the Church, dedicated nearly 100 years ago – a few hundred yards from here, so I ask, are you attending regularly enough – in endowment sessions or in baptisms for the dead – to let its light aid in your continuing conversion process?
Conversion Occurs in Ordinary, Daily Practices
Second concept: For most of us, conversion comes not in “extraordinary” moments like the Transfiguration or the First Vision, but in ordinary, daily, usually quiet practices.
Perhaps I can illustrate from my own life. When I was 15, I attended a missionary farewell for a young man in my ward. He was an exemplary young man – one just enough older than me that I could look at as somewhat of a hero. In his farewell address, he bore a very straightforward testimony about the Book of Mormon. He said, “I wanted to know that the Book of Mormon was true, so I read it and then asked, as Moroni instructed. And an angel appeared to tell me it is true.” Wow! Can you imagine the impact on me? Within days, I began an earnest search for my angel. I read the Book of Mormon – no angel. I thought perhaps my angel would come when I submitted my missionary application or just before I spoke in sacrament meeting – no angel. I considered that my angel might appear while I was at the MTC or as soon as I arrived in the mission field – but, alas, no angel. About three weeks into my mission, I was very distressed! How could I testify that the Book of Mormon was true if I hadn’t seen an angel? In desperation, I asked my senior companion if we could stop on our way home late one night and say a prayer in the quiet solitude of a park in Dundee, Scotland. It was during that prayer that I first experienced the overwhelming witness of the Holy Ghost – no flashes of light, no extraordinary appearances, but the unmistakable reassurance borne to the core of my soul.
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Since that night, I’ve enjoyed the impressions and witnesses of the Spirit on many occasions that have continued to strengthen my testimony, but I’ve learned that extraordinary spiritual manifestations don’t happen very frequently. Indeed, even when they do happen, they are not a guarantee of conversion. Take, for example, the appearance of angels to Laman and Lemuel that may have been spectacular but didn’t produce lasting faith or true conversion.
Instead, true conversion is marked by our ability to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. President Boyd K. Packer once told the story of the famous naturalist, John Burroughs. One summer evening, he was walking through a crowded park. Above the sounds of city life, he heard the song of a bird. He stopped and listened! Those with him had not heard it. He looked around. No one else had noticed it. It bothered him that everyone should miss something so beautiful. He took a coin from his pocket and flipped it into the air. It struck the pavement with a ring, no louder than the song of the bird, but everyone turned – they could hear that! It is difficult to separate from all the sounds of city traffic the song of a bird, but you can hear it plainly if you train yourself to listen for it.20
I learned it personally when our twins, who’ve just turned 35, were babies. After only a few nights, we learned to distinguish the cry of one from the other. Although they were only feet away from each other, their cries were very distinctive.
In Preach My Gospel, President Packer has counseled, “When conversion takes place, it is through the power of the Spirit. … The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. … Occasionally, it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw … until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, ‘Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.’”21
So how are you doing? Are you learning to hear the quiet whisperings or feel the subtle promptings of the Spirit in your conversion process? Does your music or your movies or your games or perhaps just the pace of your life distance you from the Holy Ghost? If so, you need to consider finding, on a regular basis, an environment conducive to the Spirit.
Conversion is Embodied in Faith, Repentance, and Consistent Obedience
Finally, the true conversion process is embodied in faith, repentance, and consistent obedience – a continued repetition of the basic principles of the gospel. Elder Richard G. Scott summarized the conversion process this way:
“Simply stated, 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 in 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. 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.”22
Application
Along our journey of conversion, we are afforded many opportunities to strengthen not only our own conviction but also that of others. Indeed, the Savior’s injunction to the Twelve was “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”23 I don’t believe the Savior was suggesting that we wait until our own conversion is perfected before we begin strengthening others. Rather, He would have us strengthen others every day and all along the way! By that, we not only bless others but advance our own conversion process.
Consider where or how your light might illuminate the way for others. You might start by making sure that no one feels alone or excluded at church. In our YSA ward, we had a “rule” that no one could sit alone in sacrament meeting, and if you saw someone sitting alone, you were to sit next to them or invite them to sit with your group. We were a “family” trying to strengthen each other.
Consider the “strengthening” that might take place with a roommate in the hale. Our YSA ward had another “family rule” – when a roommate might be tempted to do something inappropriate – like viewing pornography, for example – you needed to “speak up” as a kind reminder for right choices.
Or maybe, it’s a listening ear or a reassuring testimony shared at just that moment, which we never know, when someone else has a doubt or a need we know nothing about.
Or perhaps it’s the one who will not violate but instead “strengthen” his or her companion when passions get a little too high on a date.
My birthday was a month ago. Early that morning, one of our five-year old granddaughters asked me a question: “Should I call you Grandpa or Birthday Boy today? I think I’ll just call you Birthday Boy.” She’s a very fun little girl. As I prepared this message, I got thinking about her upcoming life. Which one of you might be her Sunday School teacher or Laurel advisor at a time when she’ll need to be strengthened by you? And how is your own conversion process preparing you for that day?
Well, those are just a few examples, but there are countless ways to “strengthen one another” all around us. They don’t have to be huge projects – many are small, quiet moments. But may I encourage and challenge you to find at least one experience to bless and strengthen another person (and thus, yourself) every day, and please be prepared to teach your children or my grandchildren when that day arrives!
Return to Peter
In conclusion, let me return to where we began – with Peter’s conversion process. Elder Scott very beautifully describes the tender relationship between the Master and His servant in that moment when the cock crowed the third time. He testifies:
“[The Savior] turned and looked at Peter – the love of a teacher transmitted to a beloved student, giving courage and enlightenment in time of need. Thereafter, Peter rose to the full stature of his calling. He taught with power and unshakeable testimony despite threats, imprisonment, and beatings. He was truly converted.”24
I’m grateful for each of you and know the tremendous potential given you by Our Father. It is my prayer for each of you that you might be serious in the journey to know clearly your divine parentage as sons and daughters of God. If you are just beginning and need help, please lean on your bishop’s testimony or on my testimony as you pursue your own. Yours will come, as did mine. If your conversion process is maturing, please continue. Be found doing things in places where the quiet witnesses can be engraved in your soul.
I know that our conversion process can only be accomplished as we “come unto the Savior.” I bear my own witness that He is the Only Begotten Son of the Father, that He lives, and that He stands at the head of this church. I bear witness of the Restoration in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and through him, the Lord has given us the Book of Mormon as a sure witness of Christ. I testify that our need to follow of our living prophet is critical today and will become even more so in the days to come. May He bless each of you in your journey of conversion, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1. Robert D. Hales, “General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony,” 2013 October General Conference. 2. Mosiah 5:2 3. Matthew 4:19-20 4. Richard G. Scott, “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” 2013 April General Conference, Ensign. 5. John 21:3 6. Joseph Smith – History 1:16-17 7. Joseph Smith – History 1:29 8. Doctrine and Covenants 121:1 9. Doctrine and Covenants 122:7 10. Doctrine and Covenants 76:22 11. Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 12. Doctrine and Covenants 135:4 13. Luke 2:40 14. Doctrine and Covenants 93:12-13 15. Alma 7:11-12 16. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” 2013 October General Conference. 17. Moroni 10:4 18. Doctrine and Covenants 6:22-23 19. Harold B. Lee, Church News, 25 May 1974, p. 2. 20. Boyd K. Packer, “Prayers and Answers,” 1979 October General Conference, Ensign. 21. Preach My Gospel, p. 92 & 96 22. In Conference Report, Guatemala Area Conference 1977, 8-9. 23. Luke 22:32 24. Richard G. Scott, “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” 2002 April, General Conference, Ensign.
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