Not too long ago, Sister Stutz and I had the pleasure of meeting a Brigham Young University-Idaho student in an off-campus setting. After discovering our common ties to this institution, one of the first comments this student made was, "I so love Devotionals at BYU-Idaho." I asked her what it is about Devotionals that she loves so much. "I love coming together as a campus community, learning from faculty and other wise people, and especially I love feeling the Spirit," she replied. "What prompted you to start attending Devotional?" I inquired. "Students who had gone before told me how great it was and encouraged me to go. So I did. After that first experience I was hooked and have attended Devotional ever since." "Do you often share what you learn in Devotional with others?" I probed. She reflected, "Each week I share what I learn with my parents, friends, and others, including the Devotional Highlight on BYU-Idaho's Facebook page." "Have you ever invited someone who may not be attending to come to Devotional with you?" I asked. "Yes," she replied. "I encourage my roommates to attend and sometimes ask classmates if they are going to devotional, too. Some come, but others don't." Acknowledging that some students and employees are unable to attend Devotional due to work or other commitments, I asked, "Why do you think some choose to regularly attend Devotional, while others rarely choose to do so?" Her response was insightful. "I think Devotionals are amazing! You put yourself in a situation where the Spirit can teach you more. Those who are serious about their conversion to the Gospel make time for Devotional."[1]
Brothers and sisters, while a student at Brigham Young University and since coming to Rexburg to begin working at this institution in 1987, I have been privileged to attend many Tuesday devotionals. During and following nearly all of them, I have felt the Holy Spirit testify of truth taught and felt prompted to repent and to discuss with others what I experienced. With that understanding of the purpose for Devotional, I am humbled by the opportunity to address you today and pray for and invite the influence of the Holy Ghost to be with and teach us. I invite you to write down promptings you receive and to commit to discuss your thoughts later today with someone else you care about. As you do, both you and those who welcome the accompanying Spirit will be uplifted and feel an added measure of God's love for them.
Many years ago, as I began serving as head coach of the Ricks College men's and women's cross country teams, I reflected on my experience as a distance runner and assistant coach. I had observed runners--inferior in talent to their peers--often out-perform these peers in key races. I had also observed talented runners who ran well, race after race. What was it about these runners that enabled them to experience consistent success? In what ways did they focus internally to get the most from what they did physically? As a young coach I concluded if I could figure out what consistently successful runners focused their thoughts on as they prepared for and ran races and teach this in a way those I coached could learn and passionately apply, then as individuals, as teams, and as a program we would realize greater success and be happier with the results.
One of the most foundational of these success principles is to have a clear understanding of your purpose. Understanding a strong, well-defined purpose empowers you to succeed. It strengthens your resolve and commitment, energizes you to get through obstacles, and focuses your efforts as you proceed along your chosen path. The first step to understanding your purpose is to discover what it is.
At one of our team meetings at the first of each cross country season, I would invite then college president, Elder David Bednar, to speak to our athletes. One of the first questions he would ask them was, "What do you think is the purpose of our cross country program at Ricks College?" After listening to their responses, he would clarify, "There is really only one reason why we have athletics at Ricks College and that is so others may see Christ's image engraven in your countenances."[2] He would then invite each of our team members to embrace the Honor Code, to live by both the letter and spirit for which it was given. He would also promise our athletes that as they diligently strove to realize that purpose, the Lord would strengthen them to perform beyond their natural abilities.[3] Understanding that purpose, buying into it as if it was their own, and exercising faith to receive the promised blessings, our athletes and teams radiated the light of Christ and were empowered to experience great success.
Having a knowledge of your purpose is essential, but knowledge alone is not enough to lead you to consistent action. You must come tounderstand your purpose.
Have you ever discovered a principle that you knew would be important to apply only to forget that principle when the time eventually came for living it? I know I have countless times. Several years ago at a Question & Answer session with President Bednar, I asked, "How do you learn things for keeps?" He responded, "You learn something for keeps when it goes from your head to your heart."[4] Brothers and Sisters, we come to understand our purpose when the Holy Ghost takes the knowledge of our purpose and "puts [it] in [our] inward parts, and write[s] it in [our] hearts."[5]
Clearly understanding your purpose and believing in the benefits that will accrue as you actively pursue that purpose will focus your thoughts and actions to achieve your goals. As recorded in the Book of Mormon, Captain Moroni led the Nephite armies many times against invading Lamanites who intended "to destroy [them] or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land" (Alma 43:29). Contrast that purpose for going to battle with this purpose of the Nephites:
"Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired for a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church" (Alma 43:45).
In one particular battle, as the tide turned in favor of the Lamanite armies, the Nephites' courage and determination to press on faltered.
"And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts--yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage. And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage. And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them" (Alma 43:48-50).
Notice that when his men were about to give up, Moroni reminded them of their purpose. He reminded them that they were fighting not just for their lives, but for their wives, children, other family members and friends back in their home lands; for their liberty to worship God; and to pursue their choices free from the tyranny of their enemy. I'm sure Moroni's inspired words also reminded them of their duty to support their fellow brethren fighting with them and to exercise faith in God's long-standing promise to bless and prosper them in the land as long as they were an obedient, covenant-keeping people.[6] And notice that Moroni's words "inspired their hearts"—that is, the soldiers received an understanding of Moroni's words through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Remembering their purpose, the Nephite soldiers turned from fear-induced thoughts of fleeing and toward fighting the enemy with renewed determination.
As I envision this scene, I don't see every single Nephite soldier turning at the exact same moment with re-instilled courage to face the enemy. Rather, I suspect that there were a few stalwart soldiers whose hope in their cause had never wavered, and who had fought valiantly on even as many of their comrades began to doubt and retreat. Then there were those whose faith had only just began to falter who, when buoyed by Moroni's words, quickly rejoined these unwavering ones now fully invested in the cause. Then finally, there were those who had truly begun to doubt their ability to succeed, who, when observing the confident actions of their fellows in arms, had their faith strengthen to go forward again to contend with the enemy.
I believe there are many in the Lord's army today who are wavering, on the brink of shrinking and fleeing, who are observing our example, to see what choices you and I will make, before ultimately deciding to fight the good fight with faith that God will deliver them or to retreat and give up hope. Never underestimate the powerful influence you can be in the lives of others by small and simple things you do each day.
Returning to the Nephite battle, it was then—when they all had eventually returned to passionately face the Lamanites--that the Nephite armies unitedly cried unto God with faith that He would strengthen them to achieve their goal--victory in battle--in order to realize their purpose. Soon after they acted with faith, the Nephites were strengthened by the Lord in a powerful manner to stand against their enemies and cause them to flee.
Following the victorious battle the people of Nephi did not boast in their own strength, nor did they taunt or make fun of their conquered opponent, but "[they] were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy" (Alma 45:1).
Like the Nephites, you and I too will be strengthened to accomplish the righteous desires of our hearts in powerful ways as we passionately focus on our purpose before, during, and after life's battles. With a clear understanding of our purpose and owning that purpose as our own, we will willingly do the work necessary to prepare in advance. Recalling that purpose as we are engaged in the fight will strengthen our resolve to face challenges head-on instead of shrinking and fleeing. Remembering our purpose after a conflict will help us keep in perspective the outcome, appropriately rejoice, acknowledge the Lord's hand, and humbly move forward.
So what is your life's purpose? If someone asked you could you tell them? And, most importantly, has that purpose sunk deep into your heart so that it influences your every thought and deed?
As sons and daughters of Heavenly Father we all have a divine purpose: to become like Them. In the Pre-Existence, as Their spirit sons and daughters, we observed in Their glorified and perfected souls[7] power in the Priesthood[8] and charity towards all. They expressed Their desire for us to become like Them and Heavenly Father unfolded a plan by which this could be brought about. His Son Jehovah, who lived the teachings of Heavenly Father fully,[9] was the key link that made the realization of The Plan possible.[10]
There were others in the Pre-Existence who fought against our Father's Plan, seeking God's power without the necessary development that comes with choice and accountability.[11] We chose to stand with Jehovah and our Father and shouted for joy[12] as we won the opportunity to follow the Plan for our eternal happiness. Inherent in the Plan was that our spirits come to this earth to receive a physical body from earthly parents, to learn to live by faith, and to prove ourselves.[13] Jehovah came to earth as Jesus and wrought the Atonement forever linking our premortal, mortal, and post-mortal lives and making possible exaltation as we "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44). "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23).
Our purpose, then, is to become like our Heavenly Parents. Given the veil of forgetfulness between mortality and the Pre-Existence, we have the scriptures, prophets, and the Holy Ghost to teach us what to do and be and Jesus Christ as our Exemplar, He being like our Heavenly Father in all things. We become like Him as we learn of Him, seek to do what He would do, and allow the Holy Spirit into our hearts. It is doing the primary things--having meaningful prayer morning and night, studying the scriptures daily, attending our Church meetings and partaking of the sacrament, paying tithing and offerings, serving others, making and keeping covenants, and repenting. But it is more than just doing them. It is doing them on purpose--with real intent, with the heartfelt desire to change and become more like Christ.
Elder Dallen H. Oaks has taught:
The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts--what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts--what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.[14]
As a teenager, I remember when, at the Prophet's request, a word was changed in the lyrics of the popular LDS children's song, I Am a Child of God. The phrase, "teach me all that I must know" was changed to "teach me all that I must do"[15] to emphasize the importance of not only knowing the truth, but of acting according to that knowledge. Now as I listen to or sing that song, in my mind I change that phrase again to "teach me all that I must be" to remind myself to act with real intent and, when I find myself in the role of teacher, to teach the "why" in addition to "what" to do.
What is our purpose as students and employees at Brigham Young University-Idaho? In his inaugural address President Kim B. Clark summarized the mission of BYU-Idaho in two words: disciple leader. He said:
Our mission, our very purpose, is to educate, develop, and prepare disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ...The Lord watches over this university in a direct and powerful way. He is mindful of the individual students who come here. Our purpose is to help them become His true followers, His true disciples, a light to the world.
The second word is leader. When I use that word I have in mind leadership with a small 'l.' This is the kind of leadership we need in every part of every kind of organization in our society. We want our students to provide the kind of leadership that serves, and inspires—first and foremost in their families and in the Church, in their communities, and in their work.[16]
That kind of discipleship and leadership comes as we worthily invite the Holy Spirit into everything we do. With diligent work, often after all we can do, the Spirit will enlighten and strengthen us beyond our natural capacities. It's our secret weapon, though it should not be a secret to any who understands the gospel and our Heavenly Father's Plan.
Elder Henry B. Eyring described it like this:
All of this great future that we're speaking of at this institution will depend upon miracles regularly occurring, where students learn more than you thought you could learn...Your teachers will teach better than their natural capacities would ever allow them to do because the powers of heaven will come down. They will come down because of your faith...
I hope I live long enough to someday meet some employer who employed one of you and says, "Where did that come from? I've never had such a person. Why people just flock around that person. And they want to follow. They don't have to be led; they're seeking to go where that person wants to go. And they come up with new ideas. I don't know where that comes from. They seem to find a better way, and the budget doesn't go up. I can't understand it." And I'll smile and say, "Well, come with me to Rexburg." And I may not be able to show it to you, and I may not be able to prove it to you, but you'll feel it. There will be a spirit here, I so testify, because of the love of God for all of His faithful children. And those blessings will be poured out here in rich abundance.[17]
Our purpose at BYU-Idaho is to build a Zion community: people of one heart and one mind united in the faith in preparing the world for Christ's millennial reign. In a devotional a few years ago, Elder Kim B. Clark presented a map which helps us see how to establish Zion in our own lives and how to encourage our roommates and friends to build Zion in theirs. He said:
Being in the zone of Zion takes courage and discipline and faith. To be there you must do two things at the same time-you must show great love and support and encouragement; and, at the very same time, you must teach doctrine, set a good example, and encourage righteous attitudes and behavior...
Brothers and sisters, when we take the nurture and admonition of the Lord to those who are wounded, who are struggling with sin or discouragement, who are confused and lost, we do a great work. It is not an easy work, but it is right and it is good. It is the Lord's work. It is the work we covenant to do all of our lives...
He wants you to flee Babylon, every bit of it. He wants you to come to Zion, to build Zion here and now. It is in part so that this university will accomplish its divinely appointed mission and destiny...
This is [the Savior's] promise I will make to you: If you are true to your covenants, if you will act in faith to help your roommates and your friends, you will learn how to build Zion together...And the blessings of Zion--the blessings of unity, holiness, righteousness, peace, joy, happiness, and power--will flow into your life and into the lives of your family forever.[18]
Jacob Spori, the first principal of this institution, made the following inspired prediction at its founding in 1888. He said, "The seeds we are planting today will grow and become mighty oaks, and their branches will run all over the earth."[19]
Elder Boyd K. Packer taught:
There is a lesson that few members of the Church ever seem to learn. The lesson is this: We are not merely receptacles for the gospel; we are also conveyors of it. This idea is so important...
If we have others in mind, we store the knowledge away in our minds in a different way than if it is all me or I. We know we will use it and why. It is much more easily recalled. We can add to it much more easily...
If we do not gather gospel facts with the thought of sharing them, we store them in our minds in a different way and they become less valuable to us. It is so much easier to gather them with a desire to give them away in simple terms so that all can understand them.[20]
When Henry B. Eyring served as President of Ricks College more than 40 years ago, he made the following observation:
We have a tradition of training teachers, and a vision of a great oak whose branches reach out around the world...We will need a special breed of young person, rare today, but becoming more common. Raise them and let us train them, not to save them, but to help them save the world. The College has a destiny, seen by its leader from the beginning, and it will fill that destiny.[21]
Brothers and sisters, as members of the BYU-Idaho community, let us strive to teach and learn truth with a desire to share it to make a difference in the lives of others. Having this as our purpose will make all the difference in our experience now and in the future.
Without a clear understanding of your purpose, you will wile away your life, be swept to and fro in the constant whirlwind of day-to-day living, be content to live out your existence from day to day but never make a real difference.
How can we be reminded often of our purposes so that we will passionately pursue them? By doing the primary actions with real intent, making Devotionals a regular habit, and sharing what we learn with others.
Brothers and sisters, as you consider your purposes, is there sufficient evidence by your actions to substantiate that these are truly why you are here? Are you passionate about realizing your purpose? As a result of your actions does Christ's light shine in you more today than it did yesterday, last week, or last year?
To really excel in anything you must be driven by a purpose. If you are passionate about your purpose, you will stay committed long past when others have shrunk and fled.
I remember as a young missionary in the Provo Missionary Training Center listening to Elder LeGrand Richards, an Apostle, speak to the missionaries gathered there just a few months before he passed away. Elder Richards, who was well into his nineties, because of dimming eyesight delivered his talks without the aid of written materials. Well do I remember the energy with which he spoke at General Conferences, often mentioning his disappointment in seeing the blinking light on the podium indicating it was time to conclude his remarks. I will never forget that night he came and spoke to us missionaries. With great fervor and characteristic wit, Elder Richards stood and spoke to us about "Enthusiasm"--yes, that's exactly the word he used over and over again-- and how we ought to demonstrate enthusiasm for missionary work and all that we do in life. Not long before coming to address us missionaries in the MTC, because of failing health he had had one of his legs amputated. Commenting on that he proclaimed, "I would rather die from the bottom up than from the top down."[22] Our Heavenly Fathers lives and cares deeply about each one of us. When our purpose is to become like Him, we will "keep [His] commandments, yea, with all [our] might, mind and strength" (D&C 11:20). Passionately following His Plan because we understand its purpose and embrace it will bring great joy and peace into our lives as we share who we are to bless others. Jesus Christ is our Savior, the only One who makes the realization of our divine purposes possible. May God bless you and me to remember, remember our purposes in life, to become passionate in pursuing them is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] conversations with Sarah Capener, Dec. 2014
[2] Alma 5:19
[3] David A. Bednar, discussions in Ricks College Cross-Country opening team meetings in Aug. 1999, cited in Doug Stutz, Race Your Best: A Plethora of P's for Phenomenal Performance, 2006, 11
[4] David A. Bednar, BYU-Idaho Employee Question & Answer Session, Summer 2004
[5] Jeremiah 31:33
[6] Nephi 1:9; 2 Nephi 4:4
[7] "We know that God and His Son, Jesus Christ, are immortal, glorified, and perfected beings." Robert D. Hales, "Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ," Ensign, Nov. 2009
[8] "Power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness." Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood", General Conference, Apr. 2010
[9] D&C 93:12-13, JST John 1:14, 16
[10] John 14:6, 2 Nephi 2:5-8
[11] Moses 4:1-4
[12] Job 38:7
[13] Abraham 3:24-26
[14] Dallen H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become," Ensign, Nov. 2000
[15] "I Am a Child of God," Children's Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2
[16] Kim B. Clark, "Inaugural Response," Brigham Young University-Idaho, Oct. 11, 2005
[17] Henry B. Eyring, "A Steady, Upward Course," BYU-Idaho Devotional, Sep. 18, 2001
[18] Kim B. Clark, "Building Zion Together," BYU-Idaho Devotional, Sep. 15, 2009
[19] Jacob Spori, Bannock Stake Academy Dedication, Nov. 12, 1888 as cited in David L. Crowder, The Spirit of Ricks: A History of Ricks College, 1997, 3-4
[20] Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, Dec. 2004, 185,188
[21] Journal, Henry B. Eyring, October 1, 1971, as cited in Henry J. Eyring; Robert Eaton, I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring, 2013, 209
[22] LeGrand Richards, Missionary Training Center Fireside, Aug or Sep. 1980