The Divine Gift of Repentence

Well, I am continuing to read through all the conference talks and I came across another passage in the talk by D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that I thought was very interesting.  I think that one of the main themes of this conference, and any conference, is that of repentance. 

Prophets have been sent on earth to cry repentance to mankind from the dawn of time.  The Atonement of the Savior makes this divine gift available to us and it is up to the prophets to stir our hearts to remembrance and exhort us to repent and for what things we have need to repent.  Most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can tell you by heart the 'steps of repentance': first recognized the sin, second feel remorse, third confess the sin, and lastly to make restitution.  It is something I have been taught since a young child and have used in practice, but Elder Christofferson reminds us that:

"...repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain.  Attempts to create a list of specific steps of repentance may be helpful to some, but it may also lead to a mechanical, check-off-the boxes approach with no real feeling or change. True repentance is not superficial.  The Lord gives two overarching requirements: 'By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins-behold, he will confess them and forsake them' (D&C 58:43)."

I was impressed by this teaching from a modern day Apostle of Jesus Christ.  We may know the 'steps', but until we actually walk that path of repentance we will not be cleansed by the blood of our Lord and Redeemer.  True discipleship is not superficial as well.  As 'Saints' in the Church of Jesus Christ we have covenanted at baptism to be disciples of Christ and act as he would act (Mosiah 18:8-13).  We need to become like Christ in thought, word, and deed.  It is not a superficial change, or and easy one, or a rapid one, but we need it to be real and work it out with the help of the Holy Ghost and the Grace of God.  This all centers around repentance and our decision to change, truly, and leave the natural man and become a fellow citizen of Christ's Church.