Christ Changes our Hearts

I was reading this morning in Alma about the sons of Mosiah and Alma the younger. They were some of the most powerful missionaries and some of the best example to both full time missionaries and member missionaries. Their change was literally a 360! From being the vilest of sinners to powerful missionaries and "men of sound understanding" (Alma 17:2) They had done what it takes to understand the will of the Lord and all that he would have them do. In Chapter 17 we go with Ammon to the people of Lamoni. Of course we know the story of him cutting off the arms of the men who scattered the flocks, giving him the opportunity to preach to the king. I love the aftermath of what happens to the King, the Queen and the servants of the King, in Chapter 19 Verse33," They did all declare unto the people the self-same thing- that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil." Their hearts had been changed and they had become converted!  I love this quote by President Ezra Taft Benson, "The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature." To be converted our environment doesn't need to change. Often we may think, that our environment should change before we can change. I am here to say that is not the case! We muct change ourselves! That change comes through the Savior Jesus Christ. He will  change our hearts and when he does those things that may have seemed so important before will cease to be as keep us from keeping his commandments. I love the example of President Joseph F. Smiths mother who said, " I cannot afford to not pay my tithing and withhold the blessings of heaven." Her heart had been changed and she understood that once keeping the Lord commandments cease to be problem, the windows of heaven will be opened. A change of heart takes time and patience, but I believe through it all we learn more than we can imagine. Christ can change our hearts! I know that is true! He wants us to turn to him! I know that through him we will have strength! He will help us rise above any physical, emotional, or spiritual slums as we turn our hearts to him!