"From ancient days to modern days, true disciples of Jesus Christ have understood the importance of making and keeping covenants with the Lord."
The Book of Mormon story of Helaman and the 2,000 stripling warriors, who were preserved in battle because of their righteousness, is an example of a covenant that the Lord honored. Their success in battle turned the tide for the Nephite people when they were on the brink of destruction.
"Helaman and his young stripling soldiers understood the importance of making covenants with the Lord. They also were recipients of the blessings that come to those who faithfully keep their covenants.
"As members of (the church) we have also taken upon ourselves sacred obligations. We have done this in the waters of baptism and in the temples of the Lord . . . The most important thing we can do in this life is to keep the promises or covenants we have made. When we keep our promises to the Lord, he allows us to progress spiritually . . .
"In order to qualify for exaltation in the celestial kingdom, we must gain the trust of the Lord here on Earth. We gain that trust through earning it and that is accomplished through our performance in living his gospel and keeping our covenants. In other words, we earn the trust of the Lord by doing his will . . . Actions truly do speak louder than words. In fact, actions mean much more to the Lord than words."