Elder Robert F. Orton, a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asked Brigham Young University-Idaho students to "seek and obtain the balanced life" in a devotional address given Tuesday, January 23.

Elder Orton began by explaining the increasing trend of believing in theology but not practicing religion has caused many problems and will lead students to be unbalanced in their lives. He then gave students six ways to maintain balance between the religious and secular parts of their lives, emphasizing activity in the Church as a way to keep proper perspective.

Elder Orton cited several statistics showing that an increasing number of Americans are claiming only to be spiritual rather than religious. Elder Orton explained that the difference was simply a way to "buy into theory but eschew practice." He cited the increasing social problems of the world as examples of what happens when people claim to believe in theology but fail to practice it.

To explain this mindset, Elder Orton quoted theologian Dennis M. Doyle, saying that many people avoid strict codes of action because they feel that committing to something not objectively verifiable would ruin their credibility. Young people do not want to seem intolerant because of a religion that requires certain practices.

"Theology without religion is like faith without works. It is dead," Elder Orton explained. "Do not be deceived into thinking that adoption and pursuit of current cultural practices will reap success and happiness and make of you productive contributors to the communities in which you now live and in which you will live."

Elder Orton offered six ideas for ways in which students could be productive in the world but maintain the proper perspective on the gospel. He encouraged students to continue their pursuit of a formal education, seek a balanced education, stay close to the Holy Ghost and follow its promptings, pray always and believe, exercise faith through works and follow the prophet.

Elder Orton concluded by asking students not to neglect their spiritual duties because of school and work.

"If Christ were to come tomorrow, would He excuse us from doing that which we have covenanted to do just because we are full-time students and busily engaged in our studies? The patterns we establish for ourselves today will determine the success and happiness we will enjoy tomorrow," he said.

Next week's devotional will be given by Michael Young, president of the University of Utah. Devotionals are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium with additional seating in the Taylor Chapel, Hinckley 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.