BYU-Idaho president outlines the importance of the Spirit of Ricks

Elder Kim B. Clark, president of Brigham Young University-Idaho, gave the opening devotional address of Fall Semester 2007 on Tuesday, September 18, guiding students and employees to a greater understanding of the nature and purpose of the Spirit of Ricks.

Elder Clark began by talking about change, not only in the world around us, but also at BYU-Idaho. "In this time of change it is very important we hold onto those things that must not change," he said. Elder Clark called these things that must not change, "enduring characteristics of BYU-Idaho," which include Student Honor, the Spirit of Ricks, disciple preparation, leadership development, and inspired learning and teaching.

Connecting the Spirit of Ricks and the Holy Ghost, Elder Clark quoted Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum the Twelve Apostles and former president of BYU-Idaho. Elder Bednar said, "The Spirit of Ricks is the Holy Ghost and its attendant spiritual gifts. The workings of the Holy Ghost in this sacred and set apart place are affectionately and warmly referred to as the Spirit of Ricks."

Experiencing the Spirit of Ricks is due to the individual students and employees who receive spiritual light and use spiritual gifts, said Elder Clark. "When individuals who act with the Spirit or use the gifts of the Spirit gather together and work together, the effects of the Spirit are magnified."

Elder Clark mentioned three principles which help contribute to the Spirit of Ricks. The first is the gathering of the faithful to spiritually edify and strengthen one another. The second is the use of spiritual gifts which are magnified through a network of love and service. The third principle is the spiritual unity of heart and mind that comes through the power of the Holy Ghost.

As each individual, depending on their faith, obedience and spirituality, is a contributor to the Spirit of Ricks, Elder Clark invited everyone to ask themselves a question. "What must we do to strengthen the power of the Spirit in our lives?"

Since the power of the Holy Ghost is the main source for the Spirit of Ricks, Elder Clark said there were three things individuals must do to obtain the gifts and use them in the proper way. 

Qualification for and worthiness of the Spirit's companionship is needed first. Then we can seek after the gifts the Lord has promised the faithful. We need to make sure we seek after these gifts in a humble and unselfish manner. Third, he said, we must receive and accept the gifts the Holy Ghost gives us and use them in a righteous manner.

"I believe that by looking closely at the gifts of the Spirit-which give the Spirit of Ricks its distinctive character-we might gain some deeper insight into what the Lord wants each of us to do to preserve and enhance it," said Elder Clark. He associated the gifts of the Spirit with four clusters in which individuals at BYU-Idaho should focus on and improve: love, humility, obedience, and learning by faith.

Involved in these clusters were many basic but powerful concepts. The sacrifice of self-interests in order to serve and help others, finding joy in the achievements of others, integrity and personal responsibility, as well as listening by the Spirit were all mentioned by Elder Clark as essential to maintaining the Spirit of Ricks.

Next week's devotional speaker will be Elder Lance B. Wickman, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. 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.