Cultural Saints or Covenant Disciples?

More and more people are entering the covenant path—and they come from all walks of life. Not all are polished or “white collar.” Some have walked hard roads, carrying the weight of past mistakes. But when these brothers and sisters truly come unto Christ, their loyalty runs deep. We saw this in the Book of Mormon with the Lamanites. 

"if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee" (Alma 22:18)

"as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away" (Alma 23:6)

These “newer” members—those with rougher pasts—often bring a fierce devotion and a hunger for righteousness. Their zeal is not just emotional; it’s rooted in deep gratitude and transformation. Consider how the Lamanites responded to the threat of the Gadianton robbers, a gang who had sworn to uphold secret combinations in order to get gain:

Lamonites

"And it came to pass that the Lamanites did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites." Helaman 6:37

Nephites

"And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them, until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake of their spoils, and to join with them in their secret murders and combinations." Helaman 6:38

The contrast is sobering. The Lamanites, once converted, acted with boldness and spiritual clarity. The Nephites, dulled by generational familiarity with the gospel, became passive and permissive. Elder M. Russell Ballard warned that “secret combinations… present a serious challenge, not just in ancient times but also in modern times.” (Standing for Truth and Right, Oct. 1997) These threats thrive when disciples hesitate to act or speak truth.

What does this teach us today?  

Some longtime members may find that the Church has become more of a cultural backdrop than a living covenant. When that happens, we risk becoming like the Nephites—slow to discern danger, reluctant to confront evil, and vulnerable to worldly seduction. But the example of the Lamanites reminds us: true conversion brings courage, not comfort.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that “our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquillity.” He emphasized that affliction can sanctify and prepare us to become what God intends. (The Challenge to Become, Oct. 2000)

Let us welcome all who seek Christ, no matter their background. And let us each examine our own hearts: Is the gospel something we live and love—or just something we’ve inherited?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminded us that “Come, but come to remain. Come with conviction and endurance. Come permanently.” True conversion is not a moment—it’s a lifelong transformation. (Boken Things To Mend, Sep. 2008)

More on Secret Combinations:  https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-25-no-1-2024/when-ye-shall-see-these-things-come-among-you