Elder Dallin H. Oaks
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The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change.
Repenting means giving up all practices — personal, family, ethnic and national — that are contrary to the commandments of God.
"The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change."
Traditions or culture or way of life of a people inevitably include practices that must be changed in order to qualify for God's choicest blessings.
Chastity is an example. The prophets have always condemned whoredoms.
"Yet, these eternal commands have frequently been ignored, opposed or mocked by powerful traditions in many lands. This is especially visible today, when the movies, magazines and Internet communications of one nation are instantly shared with many others."
Another example is honesty. Some cultures allow lying and cheating.
"But dishonesty in any form — whether to appease, to save face or to get gain — is in direct conflict with gospel commandments and culture."
"No group has a monopoly on virtue or an immunity from the commandment to change." The Savior invites all to come unto him and his servants seek to persuade all to become Latter-day Saints.
"The changes we must make to become part of the gospel culture require prolonged and sometimes painful effort, and our differences must be visible. As the 'salt of the earth,' we are also the 'light of the world' and our light must not be hidden."
