The BYU-Idaho devotional speaker for Nov. 24 was Randy Beard. He is the information technology platform services manager at BYU-Idaho and has worked on campus since 1997.
In the devotional, Beard focused on the importance of becoming.
“A process of becoming leads us one step at a time to the end goal of being. When I speak of becoming, I’m talking about a transformation inside that makes us a different person, not just saying or doing. A person can say something without believing or meaning it. We can even do the right thing without that action being driven by righteous intent or feelings, but positive outcomes of words and actions will come naturally as we strive to become,” Beard said.
He explained this concept with quotes from President Dallin H. Oaks, the First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and President Ezra Taft Benson, the 13th president of the Church. Beard spoke about how developing good habits like becoming, while you are young, can benefit you later in life.
“Developing this foundation can help you establish a firm footing for your life now and in the future. If you are willing to pursue a life grounded in gospel principles and good citizenship, wherever you live, focusing on who you should become, you can simplify your life,” Beard said. “Instead of needing to constantly determine where you stand on each issue and how you will respond, you can allow your reactions to flow naturally from who you are.”
Throughout his devotional, Beard gave the example of Christ as a model to follow. He shared multiple examples of scripture where the Savior exemplifies becoming.
In a BYU-Idaho Radio interview with Beard before the devotional, he shared why he chose his devotional topic.
“The concept of becoming and being, I just like the idea. To me, it is a simpler way of living. Instead of focusing on the saying and doing, it is this concept of being and becoming,” Beard said.