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Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the
First Quorum of the Seventy, addressed Brigham Young
University–Idaho students during his devotional address on
Tuesday, March 14 about strengthening faith through seeking
knowledge.
“Faith and knowledge require equal effort and commitment,” Elder
Cook began. “Let me share with you five principles that I
believe are essential as you place faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ at the center of your lives as you seek diligently for
knowledge.”
Elder Cook continued by teaching, “First, understand that there
is truly opposition in all things. The choices you make are
critical.”
He connected with students by saying he knows they are making
critical decisions which will impact their future. “Many of
these decisions or choices will need to be made soon, most over
the next few years. The choices you will make are the key to
your future and your happiness. Remember, you are the sum total
of every decision you make. I challenge you to understand that
there is opposition in all things and that the choices you make
are critical.”
The second principle taught by Elder Cook was “strengthening
your own testimony as a foundation for all of the choices you
make.”
He testified of the importance of the Book of Mormon as a
fundamental element of a testimony. “The foundation for every
important decision and choice you will make is your testimony of
Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel through the
Prophet Joseph Smith.”
“The third principle is to seek knowledge diligently, wisely,
and with humility,” Elder Cook said.
Elder Cook reminded students of how important knowledge is in
all areas of life. “Do not underestimate the importance of
knowledge which will primarily allow you to raise, teach, and
bless your family. Knowledge, whether old or new, is important.
I commend you for being here at BYU–Idaho in your quest for
knowledge and challenge you to seek it diligently, wisely and
with humility.”
Elder Cook’s fourth principle was to follow the Prophet’s
counsel when making choices. “We must listen intently to the
Prophet as we make our choices. Commit yourself to following all
of his counsel. Later in your lives you will see how following
the teachings of the Prophet saved your generation, as it has
past generations. If we follow the Prophet, we can look to the
future with great optimism.”
The final principle taught by Elder Cook was “to live so that
the atonement can be fully efficacious in your life. All of us
have sinned and it is only through the atonement that we can
obtain mercy and live with God.”
Elder Cook concluded, “I personally testify of the divinity of
the Savior and the reality of the atonement, and I hope that you
will prayerfully consider the significant choices that are
before you.”
Next week’s devotional speaker will be Sister Heidi Swinton,
Member of the Relief Society General Board. Devotionals are held
every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium with additional
seating in the Hinckley Chapel, Taylor Chapel and Kirkham
Auditorium. Devotionals are broadcast on KBYI-FM 100.5 at 2 p.m.
and rebroadcast Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
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