Conversion Is Our Goal

We study the gospel because it makes us better people. We’re not just looking for new information; we want to become “new creatures”—specifically, we want to become more like Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 27:25–26). This means changing our hearts, our views, our actions, and our very natures.

This miraculous change—the change we call conversion—doesn’t happen all at once. It is the result of consistent, daily efforts over the course of a lifetime. For this reason, teaching and learning the gospel must be based on the real needs of learners. Teaching and learning must satisfy learners’ current spiritual longings—their hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Because the goal of teaching is the long-term progression of God’s children, not just a good discussion during a 40-minute lesson, our learning cannot be confined to a classroom. The individual’s heart, the home, and the family are at the center of conversion.

To help individuals become truly converted, we need much more than a helpful study guide or manual. We need the influence of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost guides us to all truth and then bears witness of the truth. He enlightens our minds, quickens our understanding, and touches our hearts with revelation from God, the source of all truth. The Holy Ghost inspires in us a desire to live by truth, and He whispers to us ways to do this. Truly, “the Holy Ghost … shall teach [us] all things” (John 14:26).

For these reasons, in our efforts to live, learn, and teach the gospel, we first and foremost seek the companionship of the Spirit. This desire governs our choices and guides our thoughts and actions. We seek after whatever invites His influence and reject whatever drives Him away—for we know that if we can be worthy of the presence of the Holy Ghost, we can also be worthy of the presence of the Father and the Son.