At a recent Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, said that we can learn lessons about conversion from what it takes to go deeper and deeper into a swimming pool, the ocean, or outer space.
“In our lifelong conversion as disciples of Jesus Christ, sometimes we feel we have touched the bottom of the deep end of the pool, but really, we have just begun,” Sister Stevenson said.
“We never end our journey to deepen conversion,” Elder Stevenson taught. “Whatever the depth of our spirituality, each of us—all of us—can go deeper still.”
If you feel that your “conversion is complete,” consider the things the Stevensons said that can help deepen your faith.
1. Invite Yourself to Be Amazed
Sister Stevenson indicated that to further our faith in Jesus Christ, we must first recognize that it is possible to go deeper.
“If we ever feel our conversion is complete, let’s invite ourselves to be amazed that we can always deepen our conversion and faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.”
—Sister Stevenson
Elder Stevenson then shared that we can continue to spiritually progress, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journey.
“We can always deepen our conversion. Certainly following baptism and Primary. Yes, after we have progressed through Young Men and Young Women. Even following a rich and fulfilling mission or participation in ordinances and covenants performed in the holy temple.
“We should not liken the depth of our conversion to reaching the bottom of the deep end of the pool, lake, or even ocean. We can go so much deeper. Deeper than the Mariana Trench. Deeper than those spectacular images of galaxies millions of light-years away.”
—Elder Stevenson
2. Put on the Armor of God
Elder Stevenson repeated Paul’s invitation to “put on the whole armor of God” by keeping the commandments and arming ourselves with tools like prayer, scripture study, and faith in Jesus Christ.
“Consider the protective elements embodied within the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, enhancing our ability to stand firm in spiritual battles we face.”
—Elder Stevenson
He and Sister Stevenson pointed out that, as an astronaut’s spacesuit protects against hazards like extreme temperature and pressure, the armor of God similarly protects us against spiritual hazards.
“As you strive to push new limits in deepening your conversion, you too may be subjected to inhospitable environments, severe temperatures, and extreme pressure. This might include stress to loosen your standards, adopt worldly philosophies, and give into temptations that will draw you away from the safety of faith in Jesus Christ.”
—Sister Stevenson
3. Know That You Are Not Alone
Elder Stevenson reflected on astronauts who have ground control teams working to support them from Earth. Likewise, we do not need to walk through our challenges by ourselves.
“In your mission to deepen your conversion, leading to a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, you, too, have a dedicated team deeply interested in your mission goal. … The restored Church of Jesus Christ is built upon a foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
“Rest assured, beginning with Him, through a living Prophet, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve—along with dedicated file leaders, family, and loved ones—you are not alone.”
—Elder Stevenson
4. Make a List
In your journey to deepen your faith, Elder Stevenson counseled to figure out what it is you need to work on, then work on it.
“Consider both guiding principles and more tactical action items. I’ve done this myself, and I have a list I’m working on. I promise that as you do so, you will find answers, peace, joy, direction, and a deepening faith, knowledge, and a deepening conversion of Jesus Christ.”
—Elder Stevenson
Watch or listen to the full devotional here.
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