The Influence of the True Church

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     As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, one thing that I found particularly interesting while teaching people was how they knew what they were doing was wrong, but they still were doing it. As soon as we would teach them a principle with an invitation to stop (smoking, swearing, etc.) or too start (reading scriptures, church, etc.), the most common response was "I know I need too". In almost all cases people knew right from wrong, so us teaching them was nothing they hadn't realized before, we were just bringing it to light. Many of these people come from diverse backgrounds of all religions and ethnic groups. Many of them were taught these good morals from parents, teachers, and religion leaders, but why are they continuing to ignore righteous pursuits? Reflecting on comparison from my youth, why did I not go out and do drugs with my friends who were good strong members of another faith? There are perhaps many lurking variables to answer this question, but without question the truthfulness of the church played a critical decision in my conviction to avoid drugs. Why is it that the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ has such an impact to actually makes people want to live the principles of a righteous life and change for the best?

      I think the simplest way to answer this question is the fact that when an individual realizes the truthfulness of the church, it really does change them. As someone begins to build their testimony they come to realize that this is not just another church that they should give a tithe too and spend the rest of their week in vain. Elder Boyd K. Packer has said that "The study of doctrine and the teaching of doctrine will change behavior more than the study of behavior will change behavior". When one comes to know that this is the true church they want to change!

      Perhaps the biggest reason we follow the commandments is because our Heavenly Father wants us too. Most people can agree that one of the hardest things to hear from a parent is "I'm disappointed in you". How much more do we feel disappointed in ourselves when we disappoint our God through disobedience?

We all know right from wrong and no matter how difficult it may be to get back on the right side we can do it with the Lords help. He has showed mercy in allowing us to repent as quoted, “He that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven” (D&C 1:32).  What a blessing it is to have such a loving God who doesn’t want us to err, but gives us the opportunity to correct our mistakes and grow.