The Miracle of Change

Change. We are always changing throughout our lives. Sometimes, we feel like we don't need to change. I know that I have felt like that, and still do at times. I make up the excuse that "it's just the way I am." I have found that when I feel like I don't need to change, and that I am complacent, that I am lifted up in my pride and, in turn, denying the changing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ has power to change the hearts of mankind. I know that a lot of us have been changed, but we cannot afford to be content with where we are. When we begin to be content with who we are and the changes that have been made, we begin to slide backwards into old habits. As we learn and apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and especially His Atonement, we will change. President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles said, "The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." We all can change through a study and application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we have faith in the Atonement of Christ, we will experience a "mighty change wrought in [our hearts]" (Alma 5:12). Faith leads to repentance and repentance leads to the remission of our sins so that we can continue to change throughout our lives. I know that change is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ; I have been changed forever because of it. I invite all who read this blog to strive to continue to change, and to be "ever grateful and never satisfied" with the changes that have been made, but then to do all that we can to continue to become the child of God that our Father wants us to be.

With love,
Elder Brennan Edwards