Elder John B. Dickson, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught students at Brigham Young University-Idaho how to have perspective on life's journey in a devotional address given Tuesday, June 12.

Elder Dickson said he had prepared his remarks to help students recognize their potential and progress toward an eternal, celestial existence. "This type of existence is not some abstract concept regarding an uncertain future opportunity, but an exalted existence and lifestyle, the pursuit of which we commenced long before coming to earth," he said. "I know that how we live that mortal life will have a tremendous impact on our future, eternal destiny."

He continued by saying that gaining a celestial existence involves a proper perspective on this mortal existence.  "First, we help people, including ourselves and our children, understand the plan of salvation so they know who they are, how they fit in, who the Savior is and what He has done. Then, with that understanding, the commandments can be taught, understood, and greatly appreciated. I believe if we get this concept of who we truly are and the journey we have embarked on, it will help tremendously in our pursuit of happiness and in raising and saving our children," Elder Dickson said.

He later talked about the baggage we bring with us on the journey through life. He emphasized we should fill our "suitcase" with good things and remove the sins that weigh us down. To illustrate his point, he put several objects in a suitcase to represent the things that we will take with us after this life. The objects represented family, the gospel, relationships, knowledge and "what we have become."

"What will go with us, however, is what we have become as a result of what was practiced, taught and pursued within the walls of our home and in our private and public lives. We quickly see that having our lives centered in Christ, while living prudently and within our budgets, will help us enjoy peace and righteous fulfillment rather than a frustrating existence centered mainly in the accumulation of wealth," he said.

Elder Dickson then related how difficult it can be to remove some sins from our life, but it must be done. He offered such tips as asking the Lord for help, having faith in Christ's Atonement, speaking to a bishop and not becoming discouraged.

"As we move decisively and with great faith to overcome a challenge, we find tremendous joy and satisfaction," he concluded. "For so it is with those who earnestly strive to become sons and daughters of God."

Next week's devotional speaker will be Brad Bowen, former BYU-Idaho Stake 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.