Member of the Seventy teaches about creating their own "Book of Life"

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold, a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to Brigham Young University-Idaho students about creating their own personal "Book of Life" during a devotional address given Tuesday, January 29. 

Elder Arnold began his remarks with emotional words of remembrance for the late Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th president of the Church. Elder Arnold shared fond memories of the prophet and his legacy. He also expressed a sincere testimony of President Hinckley's love for the students of BYU-Idaho.

Elder Arnold reminded students of President Hinckley's counsel to be smart. The formula to a happy and successful life is like an elementary school class, Elder Arnold taught. "If we study hard and be smart, we will pass. The Savior will not ask trick questions, and he will open our Book of Life so that we may know we have not been cheated," he said.

Our whole life's history is being recorded like rings on a tree, Elder Arnold said, explaining that our Book of Life is recorded in our conscience, which is affected by our every thought and action. Quoting Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Elder Arnold said, "When the Book of Life is open on the Day of Judgment, men's bodies will show what law they have lived."

Encouraging students to resist temptation from the devil, Elder Arnold taught that one must always be constantly on guard against temptation. "Satan and his followers are doing everything possible to persuade us to not live the commandments. His goal is to not have one single person - not one - return to God's presence. And he will do anything, including placing unwanted thoughts in our minds, to dissuade us from doing honorable acts," he said.

Elder Arnold reminded students that the bounds of Satan are set and he cannot pass. As we call upon the Lord for assistance, we will overcome the thoughts Satan places in our minds. Drawing on the Old Testament story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, Elder Arnold said that if we do everything in our power to resist the temptations of the devil, unrighteous thoughts can be overcome. 

Elder Arnold closed with his testimony of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and that if we live worthily, our Book of Life will record our valiant efforts and we will be counted worthy to stand with Christ at the last day.

Next week's devotional speaker will be Elder Richard E. Cook, managing director of the Perpetual Education Fund. 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.