A Change of Heart Changes Everything.

A Change of Heart Changes Everything

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mould men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature”[1]

“A change of heart” is a familiar phrase that we are all acquainted with, but what exactly does this profound phase mean? Do we all need to have it? How does it affect our lives? How does it take place? “ For behold, and also His blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned. But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelled against God! For Salvation cometh unto none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.”[2] Our Elder Brother, even our Lord Jesus Christ did for each of us, what none other can do. He atoned for each of our sins, pains, heartache, misery and melancholy. One may say that this great Atonement took place in the Garden of Gethsemane, but I would say that Christ’s entire life lead to this great sacrifice. Everything our Savior did, was in preparation for the Atonement. We, as children of a Loving Heavenly Father, can have a change of heart by applying the Atonement in our lives. We should diligently acknowledge the fact that we all sin, and thereafter repent of those things we do wrong, thereby forsaking them.

A change of heart, is not just repenting, but also becoming a better person. Amore Christlike person. It is not just being good, but also doing good. As Elder David A Bednar of the Quorum of the twelve Apostles said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that 'we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin's people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin.”[3] When we help others and do good, our heart softens and we gain a greater appreciation towards our fellow brothers and sisters. We learn to understand that we all came from the same place and that we all have the same Eternal Father. He loves us all equally. We learn to acknowledge the plain truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we are all truly brothers and sisters.

“ And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow-beings ye are only in the service of your God.” [4] King Benjamin is addressing his people and explaining to the m that when we serve those around us, we are actually serving our God. What greater blessing can we receive than by serving our Father whom art in Heaven? Before moving to the States, for four years before my senior year in high school, I was engaged in a vast degree of community service. I volunteered in a local doctor’s surgery, local hospital and in a clinic on a military base. I enjoyed serving in the surgery and hospital, but my greatest most profound learning experience came from the military base. I remember looking at there soldiers who go off to war, with the thought playing at the back of their mind that they might not return home to their families, that they might not live to see another day. I gained such a deep sense of appreciation toward them, and realized that they too are serving us. They fight for the people of their country. They risk their lives for a greater purpose. I loved helping these men and women because I felt as if I too played a role in this “greater purpose.”

“But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in Him, and serve Him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, He will, according to His own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.”[5] I know that we all have the ability to turn unto the Lord and have a “change of heart.” Our Savior, Jesus Christ suffered and died for each and every single one of us, His brothers and sisters, because He wants us to return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father for all eternity. We are not asked to die for our brothers and sisters, but on one’s own path towards perfection, a Christlike friend will help get many others onto that very same path. A good friend will leave you better than the way they found you, but a Christlike friend will be to you, what the Savior is to him and will never leave you. I know these things to be true. I love my Savior and my Eternal Father. They have blessed me in my life immensely. The Gospel is true, it is as simple as that. True Christian soldiers are more than weekend warriors. I humbly say these things in the name of my Loving Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.


Works cited
1] President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, November 1985. p.6
2] Mosiah 3:11-12
3] David A. Bednar, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, Ensign, Nov. 2007, 81-82
4] Mosiah 2:17
5] Mosiah 7:33