REXBURG—Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Valérie Caussé, encouraged BYU-Idaho students to deepen their understanding of the restored gospel and actively share their beliefs during a devotional Sunday titled "Children of the Restoration."
Before delivering his remarks, Elder Caussé joined the BYU-Idaho choir at the piano for the opening hymn. Throughout the devotional, the couple reflected on their experiences growing up as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France and emphasized the blessings of living in the dispensation of the Restoration.
"Jesus Christ taught His apostles that what they bound on earth would be bound in heaven. Thanks to the restoration of priesthood keys returned by heavenly messengers in the Kirtland Temple, this divine power is once again upon the earth," Elder Caussé said.
Drawing from his experiences as one of the few Latter-day Saints in his school, Elder Caussé said members of the Church should not seek to diminish the beliefs of others but instead invite them to experience the additional truths made available through the Restoration.
"As we interact with our friends of other faiths, our purpose is not to take away from what they believe, nor to diminish their faith," he said. "Rather, we hope to enrich and expand it by sharing something more—something greater."
Sister Caussé illustrated that concept through what she called the "parable of the éclair." She compared tasting an éclair in the United States to experiencing one in France, explaining that while both may be enjoyable, one offers a richer and more complete experience.
"In many ways, the gospel is like that," she said. "It's possible to feel content—even happy—with a partial understanding. But when the fullness of the gospel is revealed, everything changes."
Elder Caussé taught that the Restoration was made possible through five foundational events: the First Vision, the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood, the organization of the Church and the restoration of priesthood keys. He said these events restored essential truths about the Godhead, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, God's plan of salvation, eternal families and continuing revelation through living prophets and apostles.
The Caussés also shared personal experiences that strengthened their testimonies of those restored truths, including stories of conversion and guidance received through modern prophets.
Near the conclusion of the devotional, Elder Caussé reminded students that the work of the Restoration is ongoing and that they have an important role to play in the future of the Church.
"I invite you to become more active witnesses of the Restoration—owning, expressing and sharing your beliefs in ways that are personal and visible," he said.
He concluded by testifying of Joseph Smith's First Vision, the Book of Mormon and the restored priesthood authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, calling students "the children of the Restoration" and encouraging them to help carry the work forward.
To listen or watch the full devotional, visit the BYU-Idaho devotional page.