At this much anticipated and significant milestone in your life, Sister Meredith and I extend to you our congratulations, our love, and our admiration. To achieve something of this magnitude is remarkable. You should feel good about what you have done. We are proud of what you have accomplished, but most importantly, we are proud of who you have become and who you are becoming.
You came to this campus to learn, and now you will go forth to serve. As you go forward, I hope you have a vision of the good you can accomplish by being a light.
The Savior’s plea to his disciples of old was, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [1]
He later said, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up.” [2]
You have been called to be a light to the world and to reflect His light in what you do and how you do it.
As you embark on this next chapter of your life, may I share with you two pieces of prophetic counsel from President Russell M. Nelson.
First, be a peacemaker. There is much good in the world, but we certainly live in the perilous and contentious times of which Paul prophesied. [3] We need leaders who have the character and courage to be peacemakers. We need leaders who have the skill and wisdom to create unity and the discipline to avoid fanning the flames of divisiveness. President Nelson said, “The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation.” [4] Be that type of disciple, that type of leader.
Second, President Nelson has invited us to think celestial and to begin with the end in mind. He said, “This means making the celestial kingdom your eternal goal and then carefully considering where each of your decisions while here on earth will place you in the next world.” Make the temple a central part of your ongoing discipleship. President Nelson said, “Your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial.” [5]
As you well know, our mission at BYU-Idaho is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. “While at BYU-Idaho, your light as a disciple of Jesus Christ has become brighter. You now venture beyond this special place with a duty to build, lift, and inspire those around you. You will be a light to the world. You can go forward with the assurance that the Lord will be with you, for He is the Light of the world.”
My dear brothers and sisters, Sister Meredith and I love you and believe in you. We pray that you will always feel the joy and peace of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I share my witness with you of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. President Nelson is the Lord’s prophet today. Follow his counsel. You have a marvelous destiny and a great work to do. May the Lord’s choicest blessings be upon you and your families this day and always. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Matthew 5:16.
[2] 3 Nephi 18:24.
[3] See 2 Timothy 3:1.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98–101.
[5] Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial,” Liahona, Nov. 2023