The Miracle of Transformation

The word "miracle" conjures up a mix of feelings from believers and non-believers. What are miracles?

Miracles are occurrences brought about by the power of God which are completely beyond the power of man to perform. They are gifts of the Spirit.

Miracles occur through the true exercise of faith and righteousness. This principle is taught by the prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon.

And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith," (2 Nephi 26:13).

The scriptures are full of wonderful miracles. Of healings. Of bringing life back to those who are dead. Of casting out devils. Of saving people from disaster.

The miracle that I witness on a regular basis as a mission president is the miracle of personal transformation. Through their service as fulltime missionaries, the very nature of our young Elders and Sisters is changed in profound and amazing ways.

Long, long ago, an early leader of the church understood the potential of this miracle of transformation. His name was Paul. He was an Apostle, a missionary and a leader of missionaries. He said:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God," (Romans 12:1-2).

Paul was saying to potential missionaries:

1. Present your bodies (for 18 months or two years) as a sacrifice to God.
2. He says that this is reasonable service – its not asking too much when you have an eternal perspective.
3. And then he says, “Don’t be conformed to this world – don’t think, act or live like everyone else does because they are wrong.
4. Instead, put Christ at the center of your life and be full of faith and obedience – change your mind about who you are and how you live. Transform yourself.
5. And in so doing you WILL CHANGE and you will prove to all that God’s will for his children – meaning the way he has asked us to love him and obey his commandments – is good, acceptable and perfect.

A missionary's life will become a living testimony of the goodness of God’s plan for man.

To be transformed is to change! Change is another word for repent. We willingly turn our lives in a new and better direction. We choose to be obedient and we organize our lives and our times around constructive Christ-centered habits.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles boldly teaches that, “The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change…The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change.”

Many of our missionaries arrived in the mission field willing to preach the Gospel – that which Joseph Smith called, “the greatest and most important duty”.

And yet they were filled, appropriately, with fear, uncertainty and doubt.

They have been taught that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of clove, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1: 7).

And each has been invited, over and over again to replace their fear with faith. Faith being 100% trust in Heavenly Father and the power afforded through the Atonement to make bad men good and good men better.

And it's working! It’s working! Our missionaries can readily claim with great happiness, “I’ve changed! I’m improving! I have a better perspective on life! I want to be good! I want to do what’s right! I’m trying to be like Jesus!”

Don't take my word for it. Here are unsolicited words from one of our missionaries:

"Although I have been just plain tired recently I have learned a few things and have decided to repent. I am just now realizing how enjoyable repentance and accountability can be. That sounds so odd and I can hardly believe I can say that. Change is nice. It makes everything much more easier and much more enjoyable. I have learned that particularly when I am tired or disappointed at something I grow quite a bit, but only when I finally decide to let myself grow. I only get really tired and frustrated when my life is centered on myself. The work is harder and life is dismal. When my life is centered on Christ, however, failures become experience and successes become miracles. Frustration turns into gratitude and I can look back and be amazed at what has happened to me. Now I am tired of being self-centered, and I think its about darn time I give it up."

I too am sensing very real change within my heart and soul. My mission is changing me.

This miracle of transformation has the same promised potential of working for EVERY son and daughter of God who has lived, is living or will live on the earth.

I love the redeeming, transforming, life-changing reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many miracles yet to come forth – through faith and righteousness. There is so much more to life for those who seek it.