Good morning, sisters and brothers. In the midst of your busy schedules, you have chosen to be here to learn and to feel the Spirit. I love you for that. Thank you. I pray that the Spirit will be here with us so that we might learn and be edified together. As I read your posts on the discussion board, I was touched by your dedication to the Lord and your eagerness to be prepared for His coming and the challenges of the last days.
It is a blessing to gather in this devotional setting each week. Think about what a privilege it is to hear from prophets and other general authorities, our president, and the others that speak to us on a weekly basis. This privilege is afforded only to students in CES and only while you are a student. I love how each week’s message ties with content delivered in prior weeks, like Sister Landon’s talk two weeks ago undergirds and supports what I plan to talk about today. Sister Saurey last week talked about service as I will also address today. These talks are designed to help you become like your Savior.
Back in the beginning of COVID in the spring of 2020, my wife and I bought an old fifth-wheel trailer. It was longer than the driveway on the side of our house. We needed a small concrete pad installed behind the existing driveway to make room for it. I cut out the grass and began to prepare the area to install a new concrete pad. As most home projects go, the small concrete pad led to replacing all of our driveway. We ended up installing 2,700 square feet of new concrete. My wife reminds me that it would have been easier and cheaper to just put some gravel down. I was joined in this project by my son, people from my ward, and friends. It took me seven weeks and I learned a lot while doing the work.
I learned a lot about what ruins concrete and what to do to make it strong. Tree roots push it up and changing soil causes it to settle. Harsh weather, strong chemicals, freezing and thawing, and the hot sun all take a negative toll on it. As it weathers, it can crack, peel, and separate. The key is to maintain the strength and integrity of the concrete despite the elements that might weaken it. That is the same as with our testimonies. We need to keep them strong despite the things that challenge or weaken them.
In preparation for the new concrete, we broke up and removed the driveway in front of our house. None of that concrete was reinforced with rebar nor was it tied to the foundation of the house. That made it easier to tear it out, but it was the reason it had to be torn out. If the concrete had had strong steel rods, called rebar, running through it and if the rebar had been tied to the foundation, the concrete would have held together and not settled like it did. It would have prevented the concrete from moving even if it cracked, and it would have helped it stay stronger despite the outside forces against it.
It isn’t the project I want to talk with you about but the concrete itself. Concrete stays strong when it is reinforced with rebar and that rebar is tied to a solid foundation. The foundation serves as anchor points to keep the concrete slab secure and reduce how much the slab can move. It helps the concrete endure the stresses of freeze and thaw cycles, heat expansion, and the weight and stress of heavy vehicles.
Much like concrete, your testimony needs to be able to weather the changes of the confusing messages in social media, ridicule from others, declining standards, bullying/criticism of the world, and much more. I think of the challenges my students, my ward members, and my children face, and the challenges my grandchildren will face. Much like concrete, we must have an interweaved pattern of supporting habits in our lives and they must be anchored in the Rock of our Salvation, even Jesus Christ. I want to talk about what makes up that interweaved pattern of supporting structures and habits.
Let me first tell you a little bit more about what rebar is. Rebar is structural steel and, in my case, a half-inch round with a rough outer structure that keeps the concrete from sliding along it. It is flexible and strong as opposed to concrete which is not flexible. Concrete brings its own strengths of rigidity and durability. The combination gives the best of both with increased durability, strength, and flexibility than either would provide by themselves.
The rebar is laid in both directions with the intersecting points tied together with wire. Then, this lattice is tied to the immovable foundation of the house.
We live in a day when the storms beat upon us, when there are spiritual earthquakes in our lives, and when the earth itself seems to shift underneath us almost daily. Our testimonies need a lattice of structural steel running through them to help us stay strong. President Nelson in speaking of our day said:
In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.[1]
How do we become like this concrete, with strands of rebar running through us and tied together and secured to Christ and His Church? How do we become steadfast and immovable?
We have been warned by our current prophets and many who have come before that we need to have testimonies that can withstand the buffetings and trials of the last days. We need testimonies that are steadfast and immovable.
When my wife, Tracie, and I were raising our children, we used to have a queuing system to help them remember what they should do every morning and every day after school. We called it “high five.” It helped them remember to do the important things. Similarly, I have a queuing system to help you remember what you should do to keep your testimony strong. These are the five activities, one finger for each thing to remember:
- Quality prayer
- Daily scripture study
- Regular temple attendance
- Serving/ministering to other.
- Daily repentance
Quality Prayer
I would like to talk about each of these in turn. First, quality prayer. N. Eldon Tanner taught a pattern of prayer that has helped me make my prayers more meaningful over the years. Elder Bednar taught a similar pattern when he was here on campus as president. They taught that each of our prayers should serve a specific purpose. Morning prayers are a time to discuss our upcoming day with Heavenly Father. It is a time to review the challenges we anticipate and a time to commit ourselves to do specific things. Morning prayer is a time to make covenants. Our mid-day prayer is a time to seek assistance with the challenges we are facing and to give thanks for the help already received. It is a time to pour out our hearts and to receive answers to our prayers. Mid-day prayers are when we are our most alert and aware. That is the time when we can draw close to our Father in Heaven. Our evening prayer is a time to return and report. We give an accounting for how we used our time and resources and how well we lived up to what we said we would do. It is a time to repent for things we didn’t do and things we did wrong. It is the best time to give thanks for the help we received all day. Our evening prayers are our time to be accountable and show gratitude.
I have found that when prayer is the only thing that stands between me and sleep, my prayers are not as good as they could be. Therefore, saying our prayers at night should be done before we become too tired. I have also found that spending a few minutes on my knees preparing and pondering what I need to pray about helps me avoid trite phrases and hollow prayers. Instead, I take a few minutes to consider what I plan to pray about. Further, I like to kneel and review parts of the temple ceremony or consider some specific part of the life of Christ, or just sing a Primary song to myself. These things help me prepare my mind to talk to my Father in Heaven. Remembering the significance of who I am addressing as I prepare and as I pray helps me pray more reverently. Prayer is the piece of interconnecting rebar that undergirds my testimony.
Scripture Study
Second is daily scripture study. Elder David A. Bednar taught:
Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.[2]
Often scripture study becomes, like prayer, a checkbox on our to-do list, rather than a meaningful exercise to learn and draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It is important to feel the Spirit as we read. Sometimes on a busy day, my scripture study is cut short, but I try to stay engaged at least long enough to invite the Spirit. Other times, I stay engaged longer to find answers and to receive revelation.
President Henry B. Eyring talks about scripture study this way:
Throughout my life, the scriptures have been a way for God to reveal things to me that are personal and helpful. . . . Sometimes I go to the scriptures for doctrine. Sometimes I go to the scriptures for instruction. I go with a question, and the question usually is “What would God have me do?” or “What would He have me feel?” Invariably, I find new ideas, thoughts I have never had before, and I receive inspiration and instruction and answers to my questions.[3]
President Nelson’s admonition for us to “hear Him” is an admonition to read the scriptures and say our prayers seeking revelation. If you read at the same time each day, you will form a habit. If you read with a focus, you get more out of it. Combined, you will receive revelation more consistently. Prayer and scripture study are critical rebar in our lattice of faith that strengthens our testimony.
Temple Attendance
Third is temple attendance. I have a firm testimony of the power of regular temple attendance. I have seen the power that comes from the temple change me and strengthen me. It has helped me to take His name upon me, helped me worship better, and helped me repent. President Nelson said in reference to temple worship:
He is the One who wants you to understand with great clarity exactly what you are making covenants to do. He is the One who wants you to experience fully His sacred ordinances. He wants you to comprehend your privileges, promises, and responsibilities. He wants you to have spiritual insights and awakenings you’ve never had before. This He desires for all temple patrons, no matter where they live. . . . When you bring your temple recommend, a contrite heart, and a seeking mind to the Lord’s house of learning, He will teach you.[4]
He continues:
If you don’t yet love to attend the temple, go more often—not less. Let the Lord, through His Spirit, teach and inspire you there. I promise you that over time, the temple will become a place of safety, solace, and revelation.
I described earlier that I remember in my head parts of the temple ceremony in preparation for prayer. Doing so has invited the Spirit into my heart and prepared me to begin my prayers more ready to talk to my Father in Heaven. It has also helped me make meaningful connections between what I was learning in the temple and the activities of my daily life. It has helped me connect the scriptures to the temple. I have come to appreciate the temple in powerful ways. President Nelson taught further:
Spiritual doors will open. You will learn how to part the veil between heaven and earth, how to ask for God’s angels to attend you, and how better to receive direction from heaven. Your diligent efforts to do so will reinforce and strengthen your spiritual foundation. . . . Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable.[5]
I have seen this in my own life and testify that it is true. I watch as my students, the members of my YSA ward, and members of my family worship in the temple regularly. I see peace and confidence come into their lives. They are more resolute and determined in keeping the commandments with exactness. They are happier and more full of faith. I want that blessing for each of you. Weave that strand of rebar through your testimony. Add regular temple worship to regular prayer and scripture study in the lattice of things that strengthen you and tie that lattice with regular temple worship to the strengthening foundation of the gospel and Christ.
Serving and Ministering to Others
Fourth is serving and ministering to others. A vital part of becoming like Christ is to do as He did and do as He does. That means serving others selflessly every day. It does not have to be big things. Instead, it is making the bed for your roommate, holding the door for others, sending a text to someone in need, checking in with a ministering brother or sister, and sharing half your candy bar with a friend. It becomes easier and more natural when motivated by charity—charity born of doing the things we have already talked about: prayer, scripture study, and temple worship. As we desire to become more like our Savior, ministering to others is a natural outgrowth and desire of our hearts.
Some of the most joyful and happy times of my life have occurred when I was in the service of others. Some of the most confirming and confidence-building times of my life were also when serving. I think of my times serving on my mission and serving as a bishop.
One of my favorite scriptures is in Doctrine and Covenants 58:
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.[6]
Be anxiously engaged in doing good. Minister without being compelled. Show the Savior you love Him by serving your brothers and sisters. “Be faithful . . . succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”[7] Add service to the rebar that undergirds and strengthens your testimony.
Daily Repentance
Fifth and last is daily repentance. President Nelson has repeatedly invited us to repent and to repent daily.
When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ! [8]
In President Nelson’s talk on spiritual momentum, his second suggestion was to “discover the joy of daily repentance.” He said:
Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. Cut it short. Cast his influence out of your life! Start today to experience the joy of putting off the natural man. The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent. He promised that though “the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed . . . my kindness shall not depart from thee.” If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true. Please contact your bishop or branch president. He is the Lord’s agent and will help you experience the joy and relief of repenting.[9]
Part of the temple recommend questions ask if we prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament each week. Daily repentance is the best way to answer the question in the affirmative. Daily repentance also is the surest way to regular personal growth. It is also the best way to practice gaining control of the spirit over the physical body. Please take time each day as part of your personal prayers to repent. Daily repentance increases our self-confidence and self-assurance. Make it a habit along with the other four parts of the lattice of habits that will build and strengthen your testimony.
Closing
“Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality.”[10] “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”[11]
I invite you to select one or two of these five habits that you want to develop and then set some specific goals for the coming weeks. Then, ask your Heavenly Father for help achieving those goals. Involve your roommates or friends. Ask them, “Did you do your high five today?” I testify that you will feel heaven's help and you will be blessed by your efforts. Work daily on getting your high five done. Build a lattice of faith that will help you weather the storms and resist all that Satan might throw at you.
I bear my testimony that Jesus is the Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Prophets of every age foretold His coming. He has come. He lives. I love Him and I know He loves me and you. He is anxious to envelop us in His love and help us overcome our weaknesses and sins. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and that reading regularly from it will bless your life. I am grateful for modern prophets and the ease with which we can study their words. I bear this testimony in the scared name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Russel M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2018.
[2] David A. Bednar, “The Principles of My Gospel,” Liahona, May 2021.
[3] Henry B. Eyring, “A Discussion on Scripture Study,” Ensign, Jul. 2005.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Doctrine and Covenants 58:27.
[7] Doctrine and Covenants 81:5.
[8] Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign, May 2019.
[9] Russel M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022.
[10] M. Russell Ballard, “Small and Simple Things,” Ensign, May 1990.
[11] Doctrine and Covenants 64:33.