When Thou Art Converted

I am trying to finish up the conference talks from Oct 2012 so that I can start studying conference from the last conference in April. I just finished reading Elder Bednar’s talk on conversion. I don’t know if it is because of the newer memories that are fresh on my mind from the most recent conference or if I just missed the point of his message, but what an impression it made on me this morning. I have an idea that Elder Holland’s words (that replay in my head) have had some impact on how this message touched me because they are in perfect harmony with each other. I also thought of the scripture that we hear so much found in Luke: when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren. Now that I have read what Elder Bednar teaches about testimony and conversion, I sense a deeper meaning to that scripture. I have always read it with the word converted, but my understanding was such that I was really using testimony as what you needed to strengthen your brethren. I don’t think that is entirely wrong, but the strength we receive through conversion is a much better place to try to strengthen others from. I think that is what happens to missionaries out in the field. They leave with testimonies, but they become converted to the Lord through their obedience and diligence. As Elder Bednar points out we can’t give spiritual strength away, but if we are converted to a principle we have been living it. There is a difference in knowing something is true and living that truth. Just as I think there is a difference between teaching knowledge and sharing your life experience. He says testimony is the departure point, not the ultimate destination. I think that then we use the starting point of a testimony to experiment upon the word till we are converted in each principle, the destination being converted to each principle, line upon line. It takes time, effort and diligence—no short cuts. We know the gospel is true and are true to the gospel…everyday, making choices to be obedient, or faithful, or hopeful or all of the above and more. Consistently living with integrity, which is making my actions consistent with my knowledge. Harder than it sounds, but totally worth the promises we receive when we do.