Christine Christensen, a mother and educator, spoke about how to follow God's plan in faith during a Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional address on Tuesday, October 24.

"Our Father in Heaven begins early to educate His children in the things of greatest importance. Essential gospel truths are communicated so clearly in many of the Primary songs," Christensen said. "They are simple enough for the smallest children in Primary Nursery to understand and profound enough by which the most mature gospel scholars may live their lives."

Christensen began by quoting part of the Primary song, "I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." "How blessed we are to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how remarkably successful our lives will be if we come to understand and act upon the doctrines of these three governing declarations: I know who I am.  I know God's plan.  I'll follow Him in faith," Christensen said.

There are three types of mortal weakness that Satan uses to make men forget God and his declarations: passion, an appeal to the bodily appetites; position, a longing for the praise of, or power over, man; and prosperity, the desire for the treasures of the earth, Christensen said.

Speaking of passion, Christensen said, "Those who lack true self worth are at risk at finding comfort in things of the flesh.  Addictions to food, pornography, or harmful substances are a poor substitute for the self-respect that discipline and a submission to God's will brings. 

Even when one is addicted to harmful things, repentance can be found in the Savior Jesus Christ. "By overcoming the natural man, we will receive greater power, enjoyment, and feelings of self worth, and we will enjoy the blessing of the enabling power of the atonement," Christensen said.

Worldly position can create unrealistic expectations among men and women. "It is almost comical how the world's ‘standard' of what is handsome or beautiful changes through the years," Christensen said. "Our differences are also meant to be, and are part of what gives us value.  We show gratitude for the wonderful gift that our body is by proper diet, rest and exercise. Good grooming and modesty show respect for our body.  Most importantly, there is a very real beauty that emanates from a righteous person."

Prosperity can be a blessing in helping to build the kingdom of God, but money can be a root of evil if used for worldly purposes.

"It takes money to build temples, to go on missions, to raise a family, and many other good things.  It's the love of money that leads to sin," Christensen said. "When we submit our will to God's and walk in humble obedience to His ways, we will discover a power unlike that of any worldly position."

She concluded by talking about preserving the family, why young women should get an education and shared examples of faithful scriptural heroes, supporting the need for faith in our lives.

"Brothers and Sisters, the Lord needs a powerful people to carry on His work in these very wicked, frightening latter days," Christensen said.  "When we know who we are, know God's plan and follow Him in faith, we will have His power that will bring security, strength, hope, and exaltation."

Next week's devotional speaker will be Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. 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.