I am truly thankful for the privilege of addressing the BYU-Idaho community today. I have been connected with this institution most of my life, and I hope to convey through this message my love for this university, my love for you, and the privilege it is to be associated together at this time and place. As I have pondered and prepared for this moment, I have been impressed to share several specific principles related to learning, perspective, and finding joy in our work.
The Big Picture
I have lived in Southeast Idaho much of my life and have spent considerable time hiking, climbing, and camping in the wilderness. I love being in direct contact with God’s creations. It brings me closer to Him and helps me understand myself in relation to Him. I have been able to summit several mountain peaks, including the Grand Teton. The summit of the Grand is nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. From this vantage point, one can scan tens of thousands of square miles, from the peaks of Yellowstone National Park, southeast toward the Wind River Range of Wyoming, and west across the Snake River plain to the desert ranges of the Lemhi and Lost River mountains. The views are grand and sweeping to say the least.
I have often pondered the value of seeing things from a higher perspective. Coming to the top of a mountain peak allows us to see more clearly, to broaden our perspective, and helps fit our smaller, day-to-day world into a larger landscape. It takes our breath away.
Our Heavenly Father sees the eternal perspective; this is as high as it gets! His omniscience is described in these words from Isaiah, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”1
Consider the higher view Moses experienced recorded in the Pearl of Great Price: “And Moses beheld the world and the ends thereof, and all the children of men which are, and which were created; of the same he greatly marveled and wondered.” Moses then exclaimed, “Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.”2
You and I may never experience the type of vision given to Moses, but we can see glimpses of a more eternal perspective through the power of the Holy Ghost. Perhaps you have experienced moments of clarity after pleading with the Lord in fervent prayer or feeling your mind expand3 as you have read and pondered the scriptures. These special moments of revelation expand our perspective. As we seek the Lord regularly, our hearts are more able to “yield” to Him, overcome the natural man4, and see things more consistently from a higher view.
A powerful opportunity to broaden our perspective is temple worship. Like arriving at the top of a high mountain, coming to the temple allows us to see more clearly, to broaden our perspective, and helps fit our smaller, day-to-day world into a larger landscape. It can take our breath away.
In the years I have been associated with BYU-Idaho—including interactions with faculty colleagues, staff, administrators, and especially students—I have often pondered important questions related to the purposes of this institution. I have sought a higher view. Doing this regularly has given my personal work more focus and effectiveness and has led to greater satisfaction and joy. These questions include: What is the purpose or value of a university education? Why do we have Church-sponsored universities? What is the role of BYU-Idaho specifically? What is the value of learning from our Heavenly Father’s perspective? What is my role in helping to accomplish these purposes?
University
Let’s first explore a higher view of university education. A great deal has been said and written about the value of higher education in recent years and months, including questioning its viability altogether. While we could discuss education as it relates to marketability, job preparation, and return on investment, I would like to explore the concept of the university from its historical and etymological roots.
What is a university? The English word “university” is derived from the Latin words universus and universitas, meaning, respectively, “a whole” (as in W-H-O-L-E) and “an associated body or community.”5 Almost every western language shares these same Latin derivations for the word university, and consequently, the word sounds almost the same in dozens of languages. As we observe other English words derived from these roots, they appear to describe two connected ideas: one, a commonality among, or comprehensive application to everything within a whole (as in “universal” or “universality”); and two, the space defined within a contiguous entity or contained within a common whole (as in “the universe” or “a universe”).
One of the earliest medieval universities, founded in 12th-century Bologna, is credited as the first to use universitas in connection with an institution of learning. It was described as universitas magistrorum et scholarium, translated as a “community of teachers and scholars.” I love that translation of scholarium to “scholars,” as opposed “pupils.” Students, you are scholars!
Understanding these origins of the word “university” reveals several powerful insights: First, a university is “a whole” (W-H-O-L-E) or a universe of knowledge, information, and ideas. As an all-encompassing space, a university respects and embraces all fields and disciplines, and provides place for discovery and exploration. This universality also informs how we learn. Scholars engage in every aspect of their education, not just a portion, and seek to make connections between truth found in all disciplines. Scholars also keep themselves open to new perspectives, accepting the challenge to question current paradigms and actively exploring new ways of thinking.
Second, a university is a community. It is not merely a repository (like a library) where information is stored or a sort of dispensary (like a pharmacy) where knowledge is handed-out or disseminated. Rather, a university is an environment, an ecosystem, an interactive space for
people with a common purpose to gather and grow. This community is designed to help scholars change and become, not just learn or passively consume or ingest. In this way, a university is a place to become whole—a whole person, a complete scholar.
We should be careful when attempting to measure the value of a university education. It is not determined only by what we learn but by what we become. The community should be an incubator to allow metamorphosis, not solely a marketplace for commodity exchange.
So, what is a university? Considering all of these roots, derivatives, and related ideas, here is a possible updated definition: “A university is an inclusive and comprehensive space (an interactive community) for scholars to explore and connect various fields of knowledge, to challenge personal presumptions and paradigms, and to become wholly changed through their experiences.”
Church-Sponsored Institution
Continuing our quest for a higher view, how do these ideas relate to the purposes of BYU-Idaho? What is our purpose here? Since 2001, this institution has carried the designation of “university,” and I believe the historical implications of that term apply beautifully to this place. But, as you know, this is no ordinary university. Yes, we are an institution of higher learning and therefore inherit everything noble and good about that earthly designation. However, like all Church-sponsored schools, this is a university overseen by prophets, and our community is comprised not only of engaged learners, but of dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ. He is the head of our sponsoring institution.
BYU-Idaho was founded through faith and sacrifice. Beginning in 1888 as Bannock Stake Academy, pioneering women and men suffered extensive hardship and personal deprivation to keep the early academy open. The principals and teachers would sometimes receive little or no pay and instead would accept produce or other commodities to sustain them.6 Despite adversity, deep foundations of purpose and an unrelenting hope for the future propelled the school steadily forward.
At its dedication, Bannock Stake President Thomas E. Ricks stated that the academy would “give spiritual precedence over worldliness; the principles of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ . . . [would be] taught side by side with arithmetic, geography, reading and other [earthly] subjects.” This statement was given at the same occasion which we attribute to Jacob Spori, the academy’s first principal, “The seeds we are planting today will grow and become mighty oaks, and their branches will run all over the earth.”7
In 1899, after the academy’s first difficult 10 years of operation, Principal Douglas M. Todd stated, “this school will yet grow and surprise the world with its great men and women, because it was conceived in righteousness and dedicated to the service of God.”8
By 1905, the name had changed to “Ricks Academy” and it had grown in numbers and educational scope. Reaching out to prospective students, the local Current-Journal published,
“There are splendid opportunities awaiting [those] who climb high enough to reach them. Too many are content to remain below where the ranks are over-crowded. Come and work upward.”9
Ricks Academy went on to succeed through the 20th century when other church academies founded at the same time had failed. I believe this was due to the depth of its core values and the perseverance of its caregivers. These remarkable individuals saw the higher view of the institution’s purpose and destiny.
Since these early days, successive institutional leaders and prophets have retaught, reemphasized, and clarified the purposes of BYU-Idaho.10 Fundamentally, these really haven’t changed since 1888. The first two core values of our current mission statement, which help define our purpose, are: One, building testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and fostering its principles in a wholesome academic, cultural, and social environment. Two, providing a high-quality education that prepares students of diverse interests and abilities for lifelong learning and employment.
Let us be grateful for our institutional heritage. Students, as was advertised in 1905, “Come and work upward”! This is your time to take full advantage of a singular opportunity.
The Eternal Perspective
Now, let us consider again the ultimate higher view related to our time and place on earth: the eternal perspective. Going back to those initial questions: What is the value of learning from our Heavenly Father’s point of view? What is my role in helping to accomplish these purposes?
From the scriptures, we learn that “the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth”11 and “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.”12 Intelligence, then, is an attribute of godliness, and as His children, with a divine nature and destiny,13 we have the privilege of cultivating this attribute now.
Further, the Lord commands, “Seek ye diligently . . . out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”14
And from the same section in the Doctrine and Covenants:
"Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God . . .
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass . . .
That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you."15
From these verses we learn that being instructed is a commandment, and we should pursue learning in many areas and do so diligently. We also learn that the grace of God allows our instruction to be more perfect. His grace will attend us as we put forth effort.
In another section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord teaches, “All things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal.”16 And from Moroni, “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”17
To summarize the ultimate higher view, intelligence is a Godly attribute; we are commanded to learn and, in a broad scope, all God’s laws are spiritual (not temporal), and all truth may be revealed by the Holy Ghost.
On the devotional discussion board for this week, I was pleased to read so many insightful comments related to education and its eternal purposes. Several referenced its connection to our individual life missions and our quest to know how the Lord will use us and our unique gifts to bless others. Thank you so much for sharing your insights!
Application
As we have discussed these concepts and doctrines, I hope you have had personal impressions of how they apply to you. These impressions are some of the most important messages you can receive from our time together today. However, having worked with students at BYU-Idaho for many years, I would like to suggest five specific applications directed toward you, the student/scholars of BYU-Idaho. I offer these in a spirit of love and encouragement, but also with a gentle push to raise your sights higher and then to act.
First, remember the higher view of your university education. In one sense, a good education is a worldly possession. It is a commodity with valuation and therefore can be used to “purchase” opportunity, employment, and certain privileges, much like a currency. However, education is much more. It’s more than a diploma or even an opportunity for job preparation. Its true value runs deeper and soars higher. From the eternal perspective, your education is about self-enrichment, life-long progress, and ultimate godliness. It will yield blessings because it is inherently and eternally good.
Second, avoid separating the academic from the spiritual. Pursuing excellence in both intellectual and spiritual areas constitute the same goal. Remember all things are spiritual to the Lord—in the eternal scheme, there is no distinction. Just as the spirit and the body are the soul of man,18 all learning can educate our whole: body, mind, and spirit.
Pray for help and work hard in every subject. Look to discover eternal truth in each field of study and listen for what the Lord wants to teach you through His Spirit. I remember as a student receiving powerful spiritual insights while studying chemistry, calculus, biology, history, psychology, art, and music, as well as religion classes, church meetings, and personal study of the standard works. Finding truth in all things can bring limitless joy and satisfaction.
Third, work diligently. What is diligence? It is the consistent application of one’s mental, physical, and spiritual energy. It doesn’t mean we run faster than we have strength,19 but it does mean we are engaged. We take things seriously.
From the scriptures, Alma taught that it’s not enough to plant the seed of faith. You must also work diligently to nourish its growth.20 Similarly, in expounding the doctrine of Christ and of staying on the strait and narrow path, Nephi teaches, “Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.”21
I love this statement by President Russell M. Nelson: “The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards.”22 I believe that.
Fourth, strive for personal excellence. In all aspects of our lives, but especially in our educational efforts, never settle for mediocrity. Remember the 1905 Ricks Academy challenge: “Too many are content to remain below where the ranks are over-crowded. Come and work upward.”
In striving to be our best, however, please be cautious. Becoming excellent does not mean we seek to achieve someone else’s best. It’s too easy to unfairly compare ourselves with others. In this life, there is no single universal scale measuring greater or lesser degrees of excellence. Each has been given their own personal scale, defined by gifts, talents, and opportunities. Our Heavenly Father knows these, and it is our privilege to discover them with His help. Our best, therefore, is not greater or less than someone else’s; it is simply different—it is ours!
Also, remember that failure in our journey is not only inevitable, it is essential. In last week’s devotional address, Sister Patty Hendricks taught about the concept of resilience or the ability to recover from difficulties, including missteps and failures. I was impressed by this statement from her talk: “Everyone can build resilience. It’s not something you either have or don’t have. But . . . [it] takes time and intentionality.”23
In your personal pursuit of excellence, don’t allow the placement of imperfect steps distract you from your long-term goal. Trust your trajectory. Don’t be unduly hard on yourself. Learn from each failure and hearken to the voices of those who have your best interest at heart, including trusted friends, family, leaders, and teachers. Above all, allow the Savior, Jesus Christ, to save you! He knows you and He loves you!
Fifth, seek to serve others. As you focus on being your best self, remember to turn your attention outward toward those around you. They need your love, attention, and specific spiritual gifts, and just as Jacob Spori prophesied, your influence will run all over the earth!
In closing, I challenge us all, like a mountaineer, to regularly climb up and look at our educational opportunities from a higher view. As we do so, we will see more clearly, broaden our perspective, and be able to fit our day-to-day moments into a larger landscape. That will take our breath away.
It is my testimony that God lives, that He knows and loves us, and that each of us has an irreplaceable part in accomplishing His work. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
1 Isaiah 55:9.
2 Moses 1:8, 10.
3 See Alma 32:34.
4 See Mosiah 3:19.
5 “Universities,” 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, vol. 97, https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Universities.
6 David L. Crowder, The Spirit of Ricks, 1997, 6.
7 Ibid., 3.
8 Ibid., 7.
9 Ibid., 13.
10 See Henry B. Eyring, “A Steady, Upward Course,” BYUI devotional, Sept. 18, 2001.
11 Doctrine and Covenants 93:36.
12 Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19.
13 See The Family, A Proclamation to the World.
14 Doctrine and Covenants 88:118.
15 Doctrine and Covenants 88:78–80.
16 Doctrine and Covenants 29:34.
17 Moroni 10:5.
18 Doctrine and Covenants 88:15.
19 Mosiah 4:27.
20 Alma 32:41–42.
21 2 Nephi 31:20.
22 Joy D. Jones, “An Especially Noble Calling,” Ensign, May 2020. 23 Patty Hendricks, “Resilience: The Ability to Recover from Difficulties,” BYUI devotional, Aug. 24, 2021.