David Ashby is the director of learning innovation and technology at BYU-Idaho. In his devotional address to students Tuesday titled “Your Call to Adventure,” he taught about the negative side of reliance on technology, and how it has led people to take fewer risks and thus experience less growth.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Ashby made sure to highlight the most important thing he’d want students to take away from his devotional.
“Just go out and find ways to be uncomfortable,” Ashby said. “You’d be amazed at how many opportunities it throws your way. Whenever I read the scriptures, I rarely see Heavenly Father taking obstacles out of people’s way. It’s more like He makes us stronger to help us overcome them.”
In his devotional address, Ashby reminded listeners that the Savior, Jesus Christ, was uncomfortable when He came to Earth to perform His mortal mission.
“He left the comforts of heaven for the uncertainty of Earth,” Ashby said. “A place where He was not guaranteed acceptance or even recognition.”
Ashby further emphasized how the Savior has overcome all things, and that He can grant the power to grow and do hard things.
“Isn’t it beautiful to know that He already has overcome everything, and Him doing so gives Him this power to help us through just about everything?” Ashby said. “Whenever I’ve had any kind of big fear or challenge that’s gotten in my way- just knowing that He knows how I feel- it can take those feelings away and help me be stronger.”
In a self-centered and busy world, Ashby says that having an eternal perspective can help people remember that eternal life and serving others is what matters most.
“It’s so easy to get wrapped up with a particular thing or goal, but that goal may only be for the next week or the next year,” Ashby said. “What’s your goal for eternity? Having that big picture can help you get those priorities put straight. Recognize that the ultimate goal is eternal life.”
Ashby ended his devotional with a challenge to all students to try the “We talk Wednesday” for Wednesday, Nov. 12, where all are invited to say hello to someone new and look for new ways to serve others.