My dear friends, it is an honor to be with you at this significant moment in your lives. Today, you graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho, having acquired the skills, experience, and qualities to help you lead a more productive and meaningful life.
Many of you reached this milestone through hard work and significant sacrifice. Some of you juggled jobs to support yourselves, while others faced difficult health challenges. Many of you balanced the demands of family while pursuing your studies. We commend you!
We also recognize the countless individuals who have been there for you during your academic journey. Your family and friends, along with teachers and staff, have provided important support.
This is a substantial accomplishment. Congratulations!
“Enter to Learn; Go Forth to Serve”
In preparing for this message, I thought back to an experience I had in graduate school. On the last day of class, one of my professors remarked, “Now, you know just enough to be dangerous.” While I am sure none of you attended BYUI with the intention of becoming dangerous, my professor's comment highlights an important concept: Knowledge is a powerful tool and can be used for good and bad. My professor encouraged us to apply the knowledge we gained at school with humility and respect for others.
One purpose of mortality is to gain knowledge, and God gives us the agency to choose how we use it. We can prioritize the pursuit of worldly achievements, such as material possessions, prominence, or positions. However, while these accomplishments may bring a level of personal satisfaction, they often detract from what matters most.
Jesus Christ presented a higher and holier way. He utilized His knowledge to bless others. He explained, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” [1] Christ, the greatest of all, did not focus on Himself but sought to do His Father’s will and to help others. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” [2]
Christ’s example reminds us of a motto used at BYU institutions since the 1960s: “Enter to Learn; Go Forth to Serve.” An education can equip us with the knowledge and skills to serve God and to bless others.
Today, I would like to share some thoughts on how we can each make meaningful contributions in our families, at church, and in our communities. Here are three useful principles to consider.
1. God Has a Plan for Each of Us
First, God has a plan for each of us. While His great plan of happiness applies to all His children collectively, He also has personal assignments for each of us individually.
To Jeremiah, the Lord revealed, “For I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [3] The Lord had a plan for Jeremiah, [4] who fulfilled his calling by warning the people of impending captivity should they fail to turn to God.
Similarly, the Lord has a plan for each of us—one designed to prosper us and to give us hope and a future. Typically, God reveals His plan to us gradually, guiding us “line upon line, precept upon precept.” [5] Impressions come as we seek His guidance [6] and strive to make a difference for good. [7] There may also be times when the Lord does not provide specific guidance, perhaps when the choices we face are equally good. In such instances, we proceed using our own best judgment. [8]
There may be times when the plan we have for ourselves does not align with what God intends for us. However, we can remember that God knows us, loves us, and has all knowledge and power. He wants us to succeed and to find enduring joy. As written in Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” [9] We can trust that His plans are best for us. [10]
For example, during graduate school, I had my sights set on a career in the field of community development. I learned about a job opportunity in Eastern Europe that matched my aspirations. One of my professors, who had valuable contacts within the organization, offered to help. I spent months conducting research for him, hoping to gain his support. Eventually, he connected me with the organization, and after a long interview process, I was offered the position. It was thrilling. I had planned, worked, and hoped for this outcome. Surprisingly, just as I left the final interview where I received the offer, I felt a strong spiritual impression that I should not accept it. I shared this feeling with my wife, Anne, and together we decided to follow the prompting.
To this day, I do not fully understand why God guided me away from a job opportunity that I had desired. Perhaps, one day, the reasons will become clear. Nonetheless, we have been at peace knowing we can trust that God’s plans are always for the best.
2. God Wants Us to Bless Others
Second, God wants us to bless others. While God’s plans will benefit us personally, they often involve serving others as well.
King Benjamin explained, “I … was suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be … a king over this people; and have been kept and preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me.” [11]
Like King Benjamin, we too have been kept and preserved by God’s power to serve His children. If we desire, He will guide us to opportunities where we can “be the means of doing much good.” [12]
Maintaining focus on the needs of others requires deliberate effort. When we intentionally view life’s experiences through the lens of helping others, the Lord will present us with opportunities to serve.
Later in my career, I was presented with an unexpected job opportunity. As I weighed the pros and cons of the new job possibility, I focused on what was best for my family and me. During this process, I received a profound impression from the Lord: “My son, it’s not about you.” It became clear that this job had a purpose beyond my own interests. Consequently, I decided to submit my name for consideration and to accept the position if it was offered. Ultimately, this job provided an opportunity to help many in our community gain access to healthcare.
3. God Will Strengthen Us to Accomplish Great Things
Third, God will strengthen us to accomplish great things. This final principle is contingent upon the first two. When we follow God’s plan for us and dedicate ourselves to serving others, He will empower us. Even when we face obstacles, we can be assured that He will enable us to accomplish what He asks of us. [13]
When Joshua was appointed by the Lord to assume Moses’s responsibilities, he must have felt inadequate. He had witnessed Moses help the children of Israel escape Egyptian bondage, part the Red Sea, receive the Ten Commandments, and build the tabernacle. Understanding Joshua’s concerns, the Lord reassured him, saying, “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.” [14] With God’s strength, Joshua also achieved great things. He led Israel across the Jordan River, secured the promised land, and renewed their covenant with the Lord.
Just as Joshua felt overwhelmed when realizing the magnitude of his divinely appointed responsibilities, we, too, may be daunted by God's plans for us. However, we can place our trust in Him, and He will help us accomplish things beyond our natural abilities. [15]
Several years ago, a colleague and I attempted to develop a nutrition program in North Korea. Establishing this program presented unique challenges, including limited communication with local health organizations and complex operational and travel requirements. Over time, the Lord helped us build relationships, receive government approvals, and access the resources required to implement this program.
So, in review, a few principles will aid us as we go forth to serve.
- God has a specific plan for each of us,
- He wants us to bless others, and
- He will strengthen us to accomplish great things.
Let me share some examples of alumni from BYU who have followed these principles and allowed the Lord to work through them to bless others. They are serving others at home, at church, and in the community.
Serving at Home
Jesus Christ taught, “Take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever” [16]
Let me introduce you to Courtney Madany, an example of someone serving her family while also making contributions at church and in the community. Courtney graduated from BYUI with a bachelor’s in communications and later obtained a master’s in public relations. She worked in event planning before marrying Jonathan, who was in medical school and under commitment with the US Air Force. They now reside at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, with their three children, one of whom has special needs. Courtney dedicates her time to raising her children, serving in her ward, and supporting other military families. Observe how the principles we discussed have influenced her:
“Heavenly Father actually provides individualized miracle moments for us to catch a glimpse of His bigger picture and His plan, and to have a reason to, as President Nelson said, ‘Think celestial.’ Our four-year-old son was sitting in the back seat of the minivan on our daily drive to pick up his brother from therapy, and he said, ‘Hey Mom, do you love Jesus?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I do love Jesus. Do you love Jesus?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I do. And I love going to Primary because that’s where Jesus wants me to be.’ And in that moment I had such a humbling but strong impression that going to church was laying a foundation for my son that is more important than what I can imagine or see with my non-celestial perspective.
“As a mom, I have the opportunity to be a tool in the Lord’s hands and provide the opportunity for my son to attend church and learn about Jesus and do all of the things that we are asked to do. My patriarchal blessing proves on the daily to be something that helps me understand God’s special individualized plan for me. Heavenly Father has given me, and all of you, talents and gifts and skills. Mine are unique to my family and our goals of raising children of God who recognize their individual worth and want to serve Him and His kingdom.”
Thank you, Courtney!
Serving at Church
We can also go forth to serve in the Church. The Savior expressed, “Be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you.” [17]
Allow me to introduce another example of applying these principles: Ked Clayton. Ked served a mission in France, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from BYU, and spent time working in Mali, Africa, with French-speaking communities. Two years ago, he accepted a job with The Walt Disney Company, prompting a move to Orlando, where he now lives with his wife, Kate, and their two children. Over time, a group of members from Haiti moved into their ward, where Ked serves in the bishopric. With Ked’s French-speaking abilities and unique background, the Lord has worked through him to support these new members:
“Service has been the number one thing to bring me closest to Jesus Christ and to my Heavenly Father. When I was 17, I traveled to Mali, Africa, for the first time. This is where my true love for service really started to evolve. I went again when I was 18 and being around those people and developing a love for an entire country is something that has changed the entire outlook of my life. It’s allowed me to see that God had a plan in store for me that I didn’t see before.
“I then went on a mission, and during my mission, I was able to learn French, which was the native language of the people in Mali, Africa. I was able to then teach the first missionary lesson in Mali from France via Zoom—another thing that I never thought would be possible, but it became possible through God’s mercy and God’s love.
“As I graduated college, my family and I moved to Florida, and while here, I’ve been able to help grow the Haitian-speaking population within the ward. Of all the places in the United States where we could have landed, I never would have thought that there was a place where I’d be able to help grow a French-speaking population within the Church in the United States. And God has shown me over and over again that He has a plan for me.”
We are grateful for your example, Ked!
Serving in the Community
Each of us can also go forth to serve in the community. The Lord commanded us to “Remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.” [18]
Rachel Miner is an excellent example of this principle. After serving a mission and graduating from BYU with a degree in economics, she continued her education and obtained a master’s in public policy and a master’s in economic and political development. Inspired to make a difference in the global community, she founded Bellwether International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of genocide. Since its inception, Bellwether has impacted 42,000 people across 11 countries. The principles we discussed are also evident in her journey:
“I didn’t always know that my career path was going to lead to starting and running a nonprofit that’s now been able to help 42,000 people in 11 countries. I think that’s how we find God’s plan for each of us; it’s first to be anxiously engaged in a good cause. I studied economics at BYU. I knew that I wanted to do a master’s degree. I knew I wanted to study abroad and work abroad. And I just chased every good opportunity that came into my life, of course prayerfully seeking the Lord’s guidance. A foundation approached me and asked if I would write a grant and pursue some of the research in genocide prevention that I was looking at. I knew that God had prepared this moment, and I knew I was prepared to take it.
“God never just blesses a single person in a vacuum. He’s always thinking about impact at scale. I knew if God cared about human rights more than I did, and I knew if He wanted genocide prevention in this world, then He would give me the skills that I needed, and indeed He has. In fact, I feel that He’s magnified many of my abilities.
“God will use you, and He will use your talents, and He will magnify those talents, and He will bless many people in need through you. Allow that preparation to meet moments of opportunity. You don’t always know when they’re coming, but I promise you, you’ll recognize them when they come, and you’ll be prepared to take them, particularly if you’re making and keeping sacred covenants to consecrate your life to Christ and His message of hope.”
Rachel, you are doing a great work. Thank you!
Christ’s Perfect Example
Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the perfect example of these principles. He followed His Father's plan for Him. He served others. And as a result, His Father guided and strengthened Him to fulfill His divine mission.
Christ was a perfect example of caring for His family. He honored His Father and His mother. [19] He helped family members in their time of need. [20] And, one of His last acts before dying on the cross was to ensure the well-being of His mother Mary. [21]
Christ was also a perfect example of serving in the Church. The scriptures record, “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” [22]
And finally, Christ was a perfect example of serving in the community. He not only taught with words, but also with actions. He fed the hungry, [23] healed the sick, [24] built relationships across social divides, [25] and provided relief to those in distress. [26]
We can draw inspiration from the life of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.” [27]
We may worry that we do not have the skills, time, or resources to accomplish what He asks of us; however, He promises: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” [28]
We may face anxiety or fear at the responsibilities God has for us; however, He encourages us, “Fear not to do good … Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not,” [29] and, “I know the end from the beginning; [and] my hand shall be over thee.” [30]
We may feel God’s plans for us are not as significant as those of others; however, He reassures us, “I have a work for thee,” [31] and, “Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.” [32] God’s plans for each of His children are divinely designed and meaningful in His eyes.
As we follow God’s plan for us and commit to serving others, He will empower us to accomplish great things. We can trust the words of our prophet who taught, “The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!” [33] In the holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Matthew 20:27.
[2] Mark 10:45.
[3] Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.
[4] The Lord also indicated that His plan for Jeremiah was set in the premortal world: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).
[5] 2 Nephi 28:30; Doctrine and Covenants 98:12, 128:21.
[6] See 1 Nephi 18:3; Alma 37:37; Doctrine and Covenants 112:10.
[7] See Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28.
[8] Dallin H. Oaks, “Revelation,” BYU Speeches, Sept. 29, 1981.
[9] Proverbs 3:5–6.
[10] See Isaiah 55:9.
[11] Mosiah 2:11.
[12] Doctrine and Covenants 6:8.
[13] See 1 Nephi 3:7, 17:3.
[14] Joshua 1:5–6.
[15] See Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Alma 26:12; Ether 12:27.
[16] Doctrine and Covenants 126:3.
[17] Doctrine and Covenants 81:5.
[18] Doctrine and Covenants 52:40. See also James 1:27; Alma 34:28; Doctrine and Covenants 38:35.
[19] See Luke 2:48–51.
[20] See John 2:1–12.
[21] See John 19:26–27.
[22] Matthew 4:23.
[23] See Matthew 14:14-21.
[24] See Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 17:12–19, 19:1–10.
[25] See Matthew 9:10–12; John 4:7–26.
[26] See Mark 5:1–20; John 8:1–11.
[27] Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 4.
[28] Isaiah 41:10.
[29] Doctrine and Covenants 6:33, 36.
[30] Abraham 2:8.
[31] Moses 1:6, emphasis added.
[32] Doctrine and Covenants 64:33.
[33] Russell M. Nelson, Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do (Deseret Book Company, 2015), 147.