Member of the Seventy teaches BYU-Idaho students about preparation

Elder Glenn L. Pace, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged Brigham Young University-Idaho students to make the most of their education and time while attending school in a devotional address given Tuesday, October 16. 

Elder Pace reminded students of the perilous times we live in and that they are not going to get any better. He encouraged students to prepare themselves now.

"The truth is, unless you are properly prepared, the challenges of your next stage of life will overshadow the joys associated with it. What are some of the conditions you will face as you enter the real world? The whole world seems to be in commotion. Today's news is filled with accounts of large-scale famine, civil unrest, wars and natural disasters," he said.

Not to over-emphasize the gloom of modern society, Elder Pace cited Doctrine and Covenants 121, repeating the message that "the kingdom is intact," and the blessing it is to live in these times. 

"We are living in the greatest and most exciting part of this dispensation since the Restoration itself.  You will see unbelievable growth in the kingdom. This university experience will help you maximize your victories as well as mitigate your defeats," he said.

Elder Pace went on to share a personal hypothesis that spiritual and intellectual learning and progress are mutually dependant on each other if the learner wishes to reach the ultimate potential in both disciplines.

"That's the beauty of a university such as this, where the importance of both are understood and taught," he said. Elder Pace then emphasized the importance of maximizing our learning abilities here at school by learning how to obtain our own personal revelation. 

"...Revelation comes by using all the intellectual and spiritual abilities with which we have been blessed.  The Spirit guides us along the way but will not replace the hard work...This university will help you acquire the intellectual and spiritual skills necessary to receive guidance for your journey into the real world," Elder Pace said. 

He closed his remarks with his testimony of the divine assistance given to those who seek it, reminding students to pray to the Lord continually that they may always have the Spirit to guide them through their days.

Next week's devotional speaker will be Richard Turley, director of the Family and Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.