Faith and Repentance proceeding Baptism and other Ordinances

[_degaston]

From time to time we hear of people saying that someone must keep some covenant or ordinance as if such ordinances take higher precedence than the fundamental principles of faith and repentance. Why would they say this? Isn't the most important duty for us all the have honest Faith and to repent of anytime we make mistakes (such as being dishonest or deceptive on anything)? in my opinion the reason people play the "obey your covenants" card is because they're trying to make excuses for dishonesty. Instead their first focus ought to be on people having honest faith and repenting of any dishonesties. Then any and all covenants can be put into perspective.