Relief Society General President urges BYU-Idaho graduates to remain close to the gospel

Sister Julie B. Beck, general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed more than 1,000 Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates at summer commencement exercises held Friday, July 18, teaching them to stay true to the standards of the gospel.

"While you have been here, you have been recipients of one of the finest educations available in the world," Sister Beck said. "You have also been educated in an environment where the spirit of the Lord could flourish."

Sister Beck spoke of the importance of continuing to live according to the Lord's standard. "It is important to remember why the Lord has given us a code of conduct," Sister Beck said. "We know that if we successfully navigate this life, we have the promise of eternal life, and in order to be successful, we must live by the Lord's code of conduct."

Sister Beck warned the graduates of the dangers of the world and exhorted them to use the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet as a resource for righteous living.

"Much of the Lord's code of conduct can be found in For the Strength of Youth and I would recommend this book as a lifelong resource for you," Sister Beck said. "On my personal copy of that book, I have circled the word ‘you', meaning For the Strength of You."

Specifically, Sister Beck spoke on several of the topics found in For the Strength of Youth, including education.

"In your homes and families, establish an environment of learning," she said. "Education is an investment that brings great rewards. It is a lifelong principle. You live in a competitive world where a good education opens the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you."

Sister Beck also emphasized having strong family relationships, and following the counsel found in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

"Remember family. Being part of a family is a great blessing. For the Strength of Youth teaches that ‘not all families are the same but every family is important. You can strengthen your relationships with brothers and sisters and with parents.' As I have traveled in the world I have seen that my country has adopted some corrupt and incorrect practices regarding family," Sister Beck said. "Live by the principles taught in The Family: A Proclamation to the World and you will be following the Lord's code of conduct regarding family."

Sister Beck concluded with her testimony of the gospel.

 "I bear you my testimony of a loving Father in Heaven who knows each one of us and has a plan of progress for each of us on this earth," Sister Beck said. "If we stay close to Him, He will guide and help us navigate in the years to come. I bear testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I bear you my testimony of the power of the Holy Ghost to guide and direct. I also testify of a living prophet today in President Thomas S. Monson who directs the work of the Lord in all the world."

In total, 1,065 BYU-Idaho students received diplomas, including 947 bachelor's degrees and 118 associate degrees.