“Keep the Change (excerpts),” New Era, Nov. 2020, 32–33.
Keep the Change (excerpts)
[Jesus Christ] gives us much, much more than the value of what we can ever return to Him. So, what can we give to Him, who paid the incalculable price for our sins? We can give Him change. We can give Him our change. … So, unlike the purchaser at the market who would take back the change we offer, our gracious Savior beckons us to keep the change. …
Jesus Christ has given us a continuous pattern for change. He invites us to exercise faith in Him, which inspires us to repent. … Enduring to the end means changing to the end. I now understand that I am not starting over with each failed attempt, but that with each try, I am continuing my process of change. …
There is an inspired phrase in the Young Women theme that states, “I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day” [Young Women theme, ChurchofJesusChrist.org]. I pray that we do cherish this beautiful gift and that we are intentional in seeking change. …
Maintaining change takes effort. I cannot imagine stopping along the trail only to put back in my shoe the annoying and painful pebble I just removed. I would not want to do that any more than a beautiful butterfly would choose to return to her cocoon.
I testify that because of Jesus Christ, we can change. We can adjust our habits, alter our thoughts, and refine our character to become more like Him. And with His help, we can keep the change.