The preaching of the word of God had a more powerful effect on the minds of the people than using methods of force to reach them. That is why—in order to resolve the social, philosophical, moral, and political ills and tensions of peoples all over the world—the missionaries are sent out to “try the virtue of the word of God.” The word virtue derives from a Latin word and means “power” or “strength.” A superb example of success in turning a people around by the preaching of the word is found in Helaman 5, especially verses 50–51.
The power of the word is infinite and limitless, as opposed to finite, worldly means. For the “word” means not only the scriptures but also the Being to whom the scriptures point—Jesus Christ (John 1:1–4). His is the power to change lives, as described 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.”5