A few months ago, Sister Luthy and I returned from serving in the Helsinki Finland Temple. Our time there was a highlight in our lives. Since returning home we have had occasion to share some of our experiences with friends. One of the stories that Sister Luthy likes to relate concerns an impressive Russian couple who came to the temple to be sealed. The wife had been a high government official in Kazakstan and the husband had been a high-ranking officer in the Soviet Military. They had found the Church through the good example of an America businessman who is now a General Authority Seventy, Elder Pieper. The Russian brother told us that during his early years in the military, he had received harassment because he had Jewish-sounding name, so he decided to change it. Not having a knowledge of the Old Testament, he chose a name that he thought would free him from the Jewish connection. The name he chose was Solomon. Apparently no one seemed to recognize the irony, so he kept it.
Brother Solomon was able to attend General Conference some time ago and after attending the Priesthood Session, he lamented, "If only I had known about this earlier in my life, I could have raised sons in the Priesthood." If he were to visit this university today, I think he would have a similar lament about how he wished his children could have attended BYU. He would recognize how blessed you are to have the Gospel and to be here. But like every new convert in the Church, he now begins to build his own legacy, and to record his own history from which future generations will benefit. In years to come, I believe others will read about his experiences and his faithfulness, and it will help them.
Our tradition in the Church of recording our own histories and reading the histories of others is motivated by serious business. The Book of Mormon teaches us that those who kept records prospered but those who did not dwindled in unbelief. Having records so they could access the past through the written word was so important to the Lehi colony that it justified the slaying of Laban.[1] Records of the past can provide us with good role models, build faith, and otherwise give guidance and inspiration. In the few minutes we share today, I would like to review with you a few journeys that we read about in the scriptures, journeys that teach and inspire. Then, with your indulgence, I will dare to share some personal events from my own life journey that I hope will help someone. But first, the scriptures:
The earliest account of a journey that we have in the scriptures is the departure of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, as they apparently traveled eastward from their first home. They left a secure place and traveled into a never-before-experienced mortal world with all its challenges and blessings, but they carried with them the knowledge of a future atonement that would allow them one day to return to the presence of their Father in Heaven.[2] In the meantime they were to do all that they needed to do to fulfill the purpose of their creation. Their life journey was not without difficulties or heartaches; they even had a son who killed his brother, but they were not entirely alone. By faith and obedience they received guidance through revelations to sustain them and lead them on their way.
The journey of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage is one of the most famous journeys recorded in our scriptures. After years of preparation, Moses led that stiff-necked nation in the wilderness for 40 years. Even though they had experienced miracles and the graciousness of God, they had a hard time getting it right. If they had, it probably wouldn't have taken them 40 years. Despite their weaknesses, the Lord was good to them. He even led them with special signs by day and by night. Among other things, they were privileged to have the tabernacle, a portable temple to help them draw close to God. In their temple worship they reflected on the earlier journey of Adam and Eve. The tabernacle and the later temple in Jerusalem were built facing east. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would go from east to west through the veil of the temple into the Holy of Holies, symbolically reversing Adam and Eve's journey from the Garden of Eden, and symbolically reversing the effects of their fall.[3] Temple worship then and now enjoys elevating symbolism to impress on the mind sacred things.
We see the pattern of journeys repeated with Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem to save their lives and to preserve a record for their posterity, and ultimately for us. More than once, Nephi referred to the journey of the Israelites in order to strengthen his brethren. When he was confronted with opposition to building a ship, he delivered a powerful sermon to his brothers about the Israelites' journey from Egypt, and how God dealt with them in the wilderness. His sermon was so powerful that it confounded his brothers and they were afraid to even touch him.[4] Other prophets in the Book of Mormon also reflected on the Israelites' journey in order to lift and inspire their people. By recalling the recorded past, they could remind the people who they were, how they should live, and that God would bless them if they would turn to Him.
The journey of our own pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley parallels these other journeys in many ways. The pioneers were sustained by their faith, by the revelations received by prophets, and by the covenants they had made. They considered themselves similar to the Children of Israel, being led by a prophet to their own promised land. They recognized that the land that one day would become Utah had some things in common with the Holy Land. Both had a dead sea, or a Salt Lake, and that "sea" was fed from waters coming from a freshwater "sea," Utah Lake, so the pioneers naturally named the river that joined these two inland seas the Jordan River. They also gave place names associated with places or people in the Bible. As a result in Utah we have a Mt. Nebo, a Mount Pisgah, and a Mount Magog, and communities bearing names such as Providence, and Moab, and Ephriam. We also have names from the Book of Mormon journey, such as Bountiful, Nephi, Lehi, and Moroni. These are concrete examples of how the past finds a place in our present.
Each of these difficult journeys was punctuated with the need for faith in the face of adversity; each had its own revelations and sublime teaching moments; each received divine guidance as the travelers turned to God. Each is a legacy that can support us in our own journeys. We are blessed that someone kept a record. As with Adam and Eve, a time comes when each of us must leave a place of security and step into an unknown world in order to grow. For you, coming to BYU-Idaho was one of those steps. Going on a mission is another. Many of you will soon be taking such steps in education, employment, and marriage, and each will have it own tests and blessings. Each will require faith and persistence. The examples of obedience of others who have taken such steps can help us, if we are receptive to the lessons they teach and follow the counsel of President Hinckley to "go foreward with faith."[5]
We know the journeys of Moses, Lehi, and our pioneers were fraught with physical trials, and that not everyone survived. The journeys we travel today may lack those physical challenges, but they have other trials, and they are saturated with electronic distractions and messages that appeal to our selfish desires, urging us to take detours. The messages are almost deafening in their intensity and numbing in their frequency. As if that were not enough, we are also dogged by the mocking and counterfeit philosophies that come from the "great and spacious building" that Lehi saw in vision.[6] Such messages sow pride, doubt, and dissension. In the face of all this opposition, it is gratifying to confirm that most of your generation in the Church is still getting it right, or at least close to right, on this part of your journey.
It is encouraging to learn that studies indicate that the more education LDS members get, the more they ignore the great and spacious building, and the tighter they hold on to the iron rod. Studies show that as the general population of this nation receives more education, they are less believing and less active in religion, but as LDS members receive more education they continue to be believing and are more active. A study a few years ago showed that of the LDS members who have only elementary school education, 41% attend church regularly, but of those who have graduated from college, 76% attend church regularly, and of those who go on to graduate school, 78% attend church regularly.[7] These figures give hope that for LDS students at least, as education is gained, faith and activity do not dwindle; they remain strong. We do not fear knowledge. We embrace it. And we proclaim that the glory of God is intelligence. We seek education so we can have, in Brigham Young's words, "Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life."[8]
Another study of LDS scientists revealed that 94 percent of them believe that Joseph Smith was an inspired prophet in restoring the Church of Jesus Christ, and that Jesus is a divine personage in the Godhead.[9] This percentage was in contrast to only 40% of other U.S. scientists who believe in Christ.[10] The surprising find that 94% of LDS scientists were believers prompted the researcher to question the results of his study and to redo it. He did, with another sample, and received the same result.
What are we to make of such findings? Is it possible that LDS scientists are in possession of information that most other scientists lack, information that sustains faith and motivates activity? The profound truths we have received through the restoration of the Gospel are just that, both faith sustaining and activity motivating. Perhaps another study should be done to reveal more clearly why such a high percentage of LDS scientists have strong faith, because we know that high educational achievement alone does not guarantee faithfulness. Both wise and unwise use of agency can be found at all levels of formal education. Developing our gifts is only part of the equation. Using those gifts in righteous ways is the other part. It is heartening to learn that most LDS scientists seem to have it right, and are in harmony with Nephi's observation, "to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God."[11]
So here we are, moving ahead on our own journeys, trying to get it right. Although our journeys are in a different time period from Moses' or Lehi's, or even the pioneers' experience, in the end, I think we will realize that in many ways, our journeys have not been very different from theirs. We will find that not all travelers survive the distractions or the false philosophies. Some will not have the patience to wait upon the Lord and will choose instead to worship their own golden calves. But those who hold fast to the iron rod will have blessings multiplied beyond their expectations. The Apostle Paul knew this when he reminded the early saints that, "Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."[12] I don't believe that we have to wait for the next life to experience some of what he was talking about. Many of the blessings in this life can exceed our expectations.
I have learned that in spite of our weaknesses, the Lord is gracious and eager to bless us in ways that we do not anticipate, if we seek him. In my own journey, I have been blessed in ways that most people, including myself, would consider very unlikely, all things considered.
For example, when I was a freshman at Utah State University, one of my professors suggested that I major in English, because he felt the Utah schools ought to have more male English teachers. Feeling very insecure and inferior, I rejected the idea for two dumb reasons. 1) The amount of reading required seemed excessive for someone who found reading difficult and was extremely nearsighted (I have since had eye surgery to correct that), and 2) Anyone who studied English had to study a foreign language for at least two years, and foreign language study was the farthest thing from my mind. Foreign language was only for those smart girls who majored in English. Real men studied engineering.
Then an interesting thing happened. I received a call to serve a mission in Finland. Missionary Training Centers did not exist in those days, so we served for two and a half years to have more time to study the language. After a few days of orientation in Salt Lake City, a small group of us were off to Finland by train, then by boat, by train again, and another boat, and finally by bus. It was a long trip in the days before missionaries flew on Delta. Once in the country, I studied hard and discovered that the language was an amazing system. I was captivated by it and realized I enjoyed language study, and I hoped to do more with it some day. But, after my mission I found very few opportunities to use it. I pursued other avenues for my undergraduate work, and studied the small amount of Russian that the school offered. Then, one day shortly before graduation, I saw a small announcement in the student newspaper for those who spoke less-commonly taught languages. Finnish was certainly a less-commonly taught language. I followed up on the announcement and soon found myself in a graduate linguistics program at Indiana University, something that had been very unlikely.
My graduate program in Indiana had its challenges, among which was my being a single, aging, returned missionary in a non-LDS environment. As some discontent with my studies grew, and my social isolation continued, even though I had received an award to do research in Finland for the next fall semester, I began to consider leaving my graduate program for a season and returning to Utah to take a job I had been offered. Then one Sunday morning as I walked up the sidewalk to attend Stake Conference, I met another student, far more spiritually mature than I, named Bud Patterson. I mentioned that I was thinking of leaving my program for a time and explained the reason why. Unlike other friends who simply wished me good luck, he stopped abruptly and asked: "Do you pray?" I answered "yes." He said "Then if God has brought you this far, why would you consider turning back now?" He saw me on a journey that I should not forsake, simply because it had become onerous. He spoke inspired sense. He was the friend who helped me in the time of need. I think of him as a ministering angel. I decided that I would not leave my studies; I would go forward.
I accepted the research opportunity and arrived in Finland in the middle of the week, eagerly awaiting Sunday when I could meet old friends in the Helsinki chapel. As I greeted members at the door, a new face entered the chapel, and I immediately wanted to get acquainted with her. That person was to bless my life from that moment on. Of course, it was Sister Luthy, who was a student at the University of Helsinki. She helped me with my research then, and has been helping me in everything ever since. Without her, little of what I have experienced professionally or in the Church would have happened.
Was the small notice in the student paper or the meeting with Bud Patterson on the stake house sidewalk mere coincidence? What if I had decided to stay away from Stake Conference that Sunday. Was my unanticipated, unlikely meeting of my future wife which followed these events coincidence? Or were these special blessings of guidance, divine micro-management, intended to lift someone who didn't want to study English to a position where he could serve others? (Incidentally, my first teaching position as a linguist turned out to be in an English department.)
It seems that my life has been filled with things that I once said I would never do. I once said I would never study a foreign language, and I ended up a linguist; I once said I would never have an international marriage, and I have one. Now I am considering saying that I will never be a multimillionaire.
I have found that one of the ironic facts of life is that many of the most significant things in our lives result from seemingly small events or decisions. May we be in the right spirit to choose wisely when such things happen at unpredictable times.
The Lord's guidance didn't cease with our wedding, but has been a gentle blessing though the years. It should not be surprising that a scripture that echoes in my mind is, "In nothing doth man offend God or against none is his wrath kindled save those who do not confess his hand in all things..."[13] I am quick to confess the hand of the Lord in my own journey. His hand is in your journey, too. I hope you will be receptive to it. The counsel given the early leaders of the Church as they began their journey of establishing the Church still applies to us: "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."[14]
The journey that those early leaders were on is really the same one that we are on. It can be daunting at times and it can also be exhilarating, but it should never be boring. Can you imagine Joseph Smith being bored with his assignment to be the prophet of the Restoration? I believe the Lord had his undivided attention. One can hardly imagine the weight of responsibility he must have felt. In the midst of constant harassment and persecution, he carried the responsibility of translating and printing the Book of Mormon, of organizing the Church, of starting missionary work, of building temples, of lifting and inspiring thousands of converts, and establishing communities. He alone held all the keys of the priesthood. It was Joseph's responsibility to see that the message of the restoration was taken to all the world. And, he was doing this while he was not much older than you are.
With so much at stake, it is not surprising that Satan's efforts to destroy the prophet and the Church were so intense in the early 1840s. The winter of 1843-44 was a particularly trying time. Knowing that his time on earth would be cut short, Joseph met frequently with members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to instruct them and give them priesthood keys necessary to govern the Church. Then, in March 1844, he called the brethren together and "charged them to govern the Church after his death, explaining that he had conferred upon them all the ordinances, authority, and keys necessary to do so."[15] Joseph said, "I roll the burden and responsibility of leading this church off from my shoulders onto yours. Now, round up your shoulders and stand under it like men; for the Lord is going to let me rest awhile."[16]
What relief he must have felt when he was able to confer the priesthood keys on the quorum of twelve apostles. Finally, others would share the responsibilities. No longer did it all depend on him. The Twelve were fully vested fellow travelers on the journey. Where are those keys and who have the responsibilities today? Yes, President Monson and the apostles have all of those keys, but they, too, share some of them and the responsibilities with other leaders throughout the Church. As the Church grows, more members will carry more responsibilities to bring the kingdom to the rest of the world. The journey that those early leaders undertook in order to establish the church and bring it to the world continues today, only there are more travelers are on the trip. That journey was not only Joseph Smith's journey; it was not only the early saints' journey; it is also our journey; it is your journey.
It is a legacy that you are inheriting. You don't have to do it all today or this year, or this decade, but you will do much before your journey is over. For now, your main task is to get as much education as you can, and to serve appropriately along the way. As you continue, you, too, will be asked in various ways to "round up your shoulders" and carry the work forward. If you follow the example of your faithful forbears, you will get it right to your everlasting benefit and to the benefit of those who will follow you. You will have unanticipated trials, opportunities, and blessings. I hope that your lives will be filled with unlikely surprises that will be great blessings to you, too. One day the stories of your life journeys will be told to your posterity. May they be a great blessing to them, and may you enjoy the guidance of our Father in Heaven on this wonderful journey.
Notes
[1] 1 Nephi 4: 11-18
[2] 2 Nephi 2: 19-26
[3] Parry, Donald W. Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co. 1994. 134-35
[4] 1 Nephi 17: 45, 52-55
[5] Dew, Sherri L. Go Forward with Faith: A Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co. 1996
[6] 1 Nephi 8: 21-38
[7] Stan L. Albrecht, "The Consequential Dimension of Mormon Religiosity" Latter-Day Saint Social Life, Social Research on the LDS Church and Its Members, (Provo, Utah: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1998), 286
[8] Brigham Young, quoted by George H. Brimhall in "The Brigham Young University," Improvement Era, vol. 23, no. 9 [July 1920], p.831. Brigham Young's full statement: "Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life."
[9] Richard T. Wootton "The Year 2000 Update of the Sixty Year Utah Scientists Study" (Published by author, 2000) and accompanying press release. Initial Study: Wootton, "Religious Orientations of Utah Scientists Related to Certain Problems of LDS Education," doctoral thesis, University of Utah, 1956
[10] Edward J. Larson and Larry Whitham, "Scientists and Religion in America" Scientific American, September, 1999
[11] 2 Nephi 9:29
[12] I Cor. 2:9
[13] D&C 59: 21
[14] D&C 90:24
[15] "Chapter 46: The Martyrdom: The Prophet Seals His Testimony with His Blood," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007), 529-40
[16] Quoted in declaration of the Twelve Apostles (undated draft), reporting Mar. 1844 meeting; in Brigham Young, Office Files 1832-78, Church Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah