Elder Spencer V. Jones, a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught Brigham Young University-Idaho students about common men and women living uncommon lives in a devotional address given Tuesday, June 10.

Elder Jones drew the theme for his remarks from a conversation he had with President Thomas S. Monson before being ordained as a Seventy.

"Before he laid his hands on my head to ordain me a Seventy and confer the sealing power, he looked at me and said, ‘Elder Jones, you are an uncommon, common man,'" Elder Jones said.

Elder Jones then taught students the principles of living extraordinary lives, despite being ordinary people.

"How can someone as common and simple as we are become uncommon? We simply follow the example of the perfect model, Jesus Christ," Elder Jones said. "He set a pattern for us to follow. You and I have the privilege of following His example and developing these same attributes ourselves."

Elder Jones encouraged students to be disciples of Christ, outlining the requirements and rewards of such a lifestyle.

"The requirements of discipleship, or learning to be like Christ, are uncommon," Elder Jones said. "They are met in the process of receiving the saving ordinances of baptism, confirmation, priesthood, temple endowment, and temple marriage; then, the more difficult part, keeping all the covenants associated with these ordinances and enduring to the end."

Elder Jones also advised students to make wise decisions, especially in choosing an eternal companion.

"You young people are at the most significant decision-making stage of your life," he said. "The most important decision of your life will be choosing your eternal companion; the father or mother of your children. When all is said and done - and only if you keep your covenants - your spouse is the only earthly possession you will be able take with you to the next life."

Elder Jones concluded by outlining the promised blessings associated with righteous living.

"We can qualify for the right to not only return to His presence, but to become, with our eternal companions, even ‘as He is.' All that the Father hath shall be given to us," Elder Jones said. "May we make the uncommon decisions and prepare to live where He lives is my prayer for all of us."

Next week's devotional speaker will be Derek Fay, managing director of Student Activities and Spirit Events at BYU-Idaho. Devotionals are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium with additional seating in the Taylor Chapel during Summer Semester. 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.