Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke to BYU-Idaho students Sunday during a campus devotional.
Elder Andersen echoed the words of President Russell M. Nelson, recently shared in a BYU devotional by President Dallin H. Oaks.
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Elder Andersen emphasized the importance of teachings when they are often repeated by prophets and apostles.
“In the past eight years, this serious warning has been repeated 13 times in general conference including five times by members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. They have been spoken 19 times in BYU-Idaho devotionals,” Elder Andersen said.
Elder Andersen asked students what they do in their lives to keep the presence of the Holy Ghost with them. He proposed they can pray, partake of the sacrament, and observe their thoughts, as a means of allowing the influence of the Holy Ghost to be in their lives.
Elder Andersen taught that the parable of the ten virgins is another topic apostles like Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Dale G. Renlund, Elder David A. Bednar and others have recently shared in their messages. The virgins represent church members with five wise virgins being prepared to meet the Lord, and the five others unprepared, without oil in their lamps.
The apostles taught that the oil is provided by consistent belief and assistance from the Holy Ghost.
Elder Andersen ended his devotional address with an invitation for BYU-Idaho students to seek out others living righteously to help improve their own relationship and faith in Jesus Christ.