Emeritus member of the Seventy speaks at BYU-Idaho, encourages righteous thinking

Elder John K. Carmack, an emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught Brigham Young University-Idaho students and employees about the importance of having righteous thoughts in a devotional address given Tuesday, May 7. 

Elder Carmack emphasized that our thoughts precede our actions. "When we control our thoughts, we control our lives," he said. Both good and evil thoughts lead to good and evil actions. Joseph Smith discussed thoughts in a letter he wrote in Liberty Jail, saying "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly..." In addition, we must always have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.

"If we want confidence, priesthood blessings, companionship of the Holy Ghost, a scepter of righteousness and truth, and an everlasting dominion, we must let virtue garnish our thoughts unceasingly without interruption," Elder Carmack said.

How do we control our thoughts to receive these promised blessings? Alma provides some clues while counseling to his son Helaman. "Cry or pray to God for His support, let our doings be unto the Lord, wherever we go, let it be in the Lord, keep our thoughts directed to the Lord, and let the affections of our hearts be placed on the Lord," Elder Carmack said.

One day, we will all be judged before God, Elder Carmack said, and He knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart. Alma explained to Zeezrom that "Our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us...and our thoughts will also condemn us..." (Alma 12:14).

Temptation can easily garnish our thoughts. Elder Carmack explained that we do not live in a moral vacuum that shelters us from temptation. Therefore, we must learn to control it the best we can. Since we face temptation on a daily basis, we must pray to have strength in facing temptations.

Throughout the scriptures, we are taught how to handle temptation. Adam and Eve faced temptation, and Eve gave in by partaking of the forbidden fruit.  "They listened to Satan, not God," Elder Carmack said. "The lesson for us is to ‘Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good...' (Alma 37:37).

Joseph, the son of Jacob, also encountered temptation. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph was appointed captain of the guard for Potiphar, his master. Potiphar's wife constantly tempted him, asking him to lie with her. However, Joseph persistently refused. Potiphar's wife took revenge against him, and Joseph was put in jail. Even though Joseph could have easily given in to temptation and avoided jail, he did not want to sin against God.

Satan even tempted Jesus when Jesus was fasting for 40 days. "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread" (Matthew 4:3). Jesus did not give in, since his righteous thoughts guided him to live a virtuous life.

There are many lessons to be learned from these scriptural examples. Elder Carmack taught we must be careful who we listen to - God or Satan. Elder Carmack also taught that even though we face temptations on a daily basis, we must have righteous thoughts to guide us the other way.

If one is troubled with constant temptations, Elder Carmack suggested keeping track of the temptations in order to identify the problem. Then, substitute the temptations with a scripture or hymn and keep track of successes or failures in making a substitution and controlling thoughts.

To conclude, Elder Carmack said, "If we are clean, we will walk into the presence of God with confidence, knowing we have kept ourselves virtuous and clean...As we gain control over our thoughts and elevate them, they can be closer and closer to the thoughts of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Next week's devotional speaker will be Sister Ardeth G. Kapp, former Young Women General President.  Devotionals are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart auditorium with additional seating in the Taylor Chapel.  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.