The fifth chapter of Luke in the New Testament draws our attention to a weary fisherman. After a long night of labor with seemingly nothing to show for it, he turns to the familiar, necessary task of washing his nets. In the meantime:
“As the people pressed upon [Jesus] to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.” [1]
It seems that Jesus saw that Peter was going about the everyday work of fishing. It was important work, even if it seemed ordinary—cleaning the nets so they would stay strong and clear, untangled and ready to catch fish. Can you picture the scene? His likely weathered hands picking out seaweed and bits of debris. Exhausted from a discouraging night, he persisted in the necessary cleanup of a fisherman’s life, maybe because he knew just how important it was to have a net cleaned and ready when the time came.
“And [Jesus] entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” [2]
The footnote teaches us that draught also means catch or haul.
“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” [3]
I love the word nevertheless in scripture. It signals trust—faith in Jesus Christ. What amazes me is how our honest work can partner with the Savior’s majesty to accomplish great things.
When Jesus invites Peter to launch out into the deep, it may be because He sees that Peter is ready—ready to try again, ready to trust. It is as if the Savior acknowledges both Peter’s failure and his faithfulness in working. And then—nevertheless—Peter goes deep with Him.
“And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: … And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” [4]
They “straightway left their nets, and followed him.” [5]
Straightway. Immediately, Peter committed to a life of discipleship.
I wonder where you see yourself in Peter’s experience. Maybe you are tending to nets—doing necessary but ordinary, repetitive work. Maybe you’re pulling an all-nighter, trying to get something done with seemingly no success. Maybe you’re feeling inadequate for what’s being asked, yet still willing to try—nevertheless. When we recognize ourselves in Peter, it becomes easier to recognize the Savior inviting us, personally, to follow Him.
Discipleship doesn’t begin when life slows down or becomes clearer—it begins in the middle of our ordinary work.
That is where we are today. At the beginning of a new semester, we are figuring out routines and habits, navigating relationships, callings, and responsibilities. In many ways, we are tending to our nets. But let me be very clear about something: we haven’t simply enrolled in classes in Science, English, Math, or Religion. At Brigham Young University-Idaho, we are not just students and teachers; we are disciple learners—who are intentionally learning how to follow Jesus Christ. We have made a choice—a covenant commitment—to straightway leave our nets and follow Him.
Through the making and keeping of covenants, we are called to discipleship: a holy redefining of fallen men and women. We can trust that in following the Master we will be eyewitnesses to the workings of the Lord in our lives and the lives of others.
Today, I invite you to consider what the Lord may be asking you to work at—and who He is inviting you to become through ordinary efforts.
I invite the Holy Ghost to be with us—to customize this message to your specific life and circumstances. As covenant children, may we notice and act upon the quiet, hopeful encouragement of the Spirit. Together I hope we see that “We can emulate the life of the Master by doing ordinary things with great intent.” [6]
Let’s start by considering the covenants we have made. How can remembering our covenants help us to live them with greater intent? As we review together the covenant path, I invite you to consider what you are learning about yourself and the invitation to change offered through covenants.
The baptismal covenant initiates our journey in becoming like Jesus Christ. In the Book of Mormon, we learn:
“Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?” [7]
This scripture passage draws our attention to several principles that guide all covenants: desire, willingness and an increase of the Holy Ghost in our lives. As we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ—not just symbolically, but intentionally, we covenant to walk with Him, to become like Him, and to join Him in His work. And as we remember Him, we become witnesses of Him and His power to transform us and others. Quietly.
As we prioritize living worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we use our agency in choosing the Savior’s way every day. This is often through ordinary and simple work, much like Peter washing his nets after a long night fishing. In that choosing, we choose to walk away from the ways of the world.
As you think back over your life, you may not see drastic changes in yourself between your baptism and now. Conversion can be slow to recognize, but I promise that our consistent efforts develop us into disciples of Jesus Christ.
Recently, my husband and I took our almost twelve-year-old daughter to the House of the Lord for the first time to perform proxy baptisms for the dead. I couldn’t help but look at her as she stood in the font with her dad and remember her own baptism day four years ago. She’s grown physically as well as spiritually—I see her discipleship is defining her—preparing her to participate in saving ordinances for others. Through the Young Women organization, she will help prepare sacred spaces for the sacrament, hold doors open, and quietly serve as others renew their covenants. It’s a holy practice of sorts, quietly going about doing good to make covenant-making and keeping more focused for herself and others.
Temple covenants deepen this pattern. If you have not received your endowment in the House of the Lord, I hope this will act as part of your preparation. We should always be thinking about the next covenant we will make: whether it be baptism and joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, preparing to receive our own temple endowment, looking forward to being sealed to a spouse or partaking of the sacrament next Sunday.
When we enter the House of the Lord to receive our endowment, we are washed and anointed symbolically—set apart to become heirs of eternal life. In the initiatory ordinance, we are clothed in the garment of the holy priesthood.
Wearing the garment of the holy priesthood reminds us that we have put on Jesus Christ. He literally has us covered with a physical reminder that we have chosen to shape ourselves to Him. When we receive or renew our temple recommend, we are reminded of this statement from the First Presidency:
“Wearing [the garment] is an outward expression of your inner commitment to follow Him.” [8]
Our inner commitment to follow Him expands as we grow in understanding the instruction and covenants of the endowment. It is here that we learn of the plan of salvation with clarity and purpose. We promise to live five laws:
- The law of obedience.
- The law of sacrifice, which includes repenting with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
- Obey the law of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Keep the law of chastity.
- Keep the law of consecration.
These laws are sequential, each building on the previous. As we come to understand and live each one, we grow in our capacity to receive the strengthening power of Jesus Christ and to be bound to Him through covenants. Understanding precedes commitment, and commitment deepens obedience.
When living a law feels difficult, it can help to return to the law that comes before it. Obedience is given first for a reason—it creates a foundation. As our desire to obey increases, our capacity to live God’s laws can grow.
Recently my determined and courageous 4-year-old friend Sage walked to the pulpit to bear her testimony in sacrament meeting. As she looked over the congregation, she leaned into the microphone and whispered: I don’t want to do this.
Just as this child is learning, God’s laws are like training for a sport or learning an instrument. Starting with basic drills or scales and practicing the fundamentals helps us to “consecrate [our] performance … that [it] may be for the welfare of thy soul.” [9] Obedience is the daily practice that strengthens us to live higher laws with confidence and power.
I’ve noticed that when I try to slow down and focus on my covenants, I feel the power of God more clearly in my life. What would it look like if you were to write down each of the covenants you have entered into? Include with it what you have promised to do and God’s promises in return.
Use your list and set aside a regular time—perhaps while preparing to partake of the sacrament—to review the covenants you have made with the Lord. Seek a deeper understanding of both what you have committed to do and what the Lord has promised in return.
Then, identify simple, daily behaviors that reflect your growing desire to walk the covenant path. As you do, take time to notice how your understanding deepens and how your love for Heavenly Father and His laws grows.
- Write down each of your covenants.
- Review your list as you prepare for the sacrament.
- Seek deeper understanding.
- Identify behaviors that reflect your desires.
- Notice how your understanding and love deepen.
This ordinary, faithful work is like tending a net: It keeps you ready and willing when the Savior calls you to act.
President Henry B. Eyring reminds us:
“Frequent participation in the ordinances of the temple can create a pattern of devotion to the Lord. When you keep your temple covenants and remember them, you invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost to both strengthen and purify you. You may then experience a feeling of light and hope testifying that the promises are true. You will come to know that every covenant with God is an opportunity to draw closer to Him, which will then create a desire in your heart to keep temple covenants.” [10]
Picture Peter having worked all night and catching nothing. His consistent effort seemed to place him in the path of the Savior. As you strive to go about doing good, remember the Savior, Jesus Christ is near. Remember the great things that God is doing for us and with us. Remember that you are evidence of His covenant love.
This covenant love helps us to view our life experiences as preparation to become powerful instruments in the hands of the Lord. Our lives are not by chance but by choice. I think this is what Peter is showing us with the discouraging work of washing a net after a failed fishing night. What if he had caught the fish without the Savior there? A boat burdened with fish would not have made space for the teachings of Jesus. It matters that he cleaned the empty net—he prepared it with faith for a future catch. Maybe there is something in your life that feels failed to you right now. In your own way, you may be asking why you aren’t finding success in the things you are working hard at. Sometimes it is in the mundane work we find the Savior because Jesus seems to love ordinary things.
When we are actively choosing to follow the Savior, we can trust that he is leading and directing our lives. Like the obedient yet lonely prophet Mormon declared:
“I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.” [11]
I am confident that as we live our covenants every day, that each moment of our lives is preparing us for specific acts of service to the Lord.
Earlier, I used footnotes and the Topical Guide to help us better understand Peter and his call to follow Jesus Christ. Most of us have never known life without these scripture study tools.
In the 1970s, under the direction of President Spencer W. Kimball, a scripture committee of faithful scholars was formed to create what would become the LDS edition of the scriptures.
One of those scholars was a dear friend and mentor of mine, Dr. D. Kelly Ogden. He was a relatively new professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University at the time. Pay attention as you listen to a journal entry he wrote in October of 1976. Note the way he persists even though he doesn’t understand the scope of his contribution.
“When I came to Brigham Young University a year ago … I came here with a fairly empty feeling, an uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty for the future and a definite feeling of dependence on Heavenly Father. Following a couple of months of pleading and searching, life began moving in … exciting directions—the Lord was guiding me into new, unusual paths, and only He knew why. I’ve been thinking these days of how the Lord has prepared me over the years for my contribution to this Bible Aids project: my training in English grammar, spelling, diction, and reading and proof-reading skills combined with a quickened understanding of gospel doctrine and extensive memorization, study, and cross-referenced annotations of the scriptures. All these skills acquired year by year are invaluable to me.” [12]
I wonder: What preparation is happening in your life right now that may not make sense yet? What skills, sensitivities, or capacities is the Lord quietly developing as you serve Him? What strikes me is not just the work Brother Ogden did, but the preparation of his life that culminated in this service.
In 1982, President Boyd K. Packer explained the purpose of this scripture project:
“With the passing of years, these scriptures will produce successive generations of faithful Christians who know the Lord Jesus Christ and are disposed to obey His will. The older generation has been raised without them, but there is another generation growing up. The revelations will be opened to them as to no other in the history of the world … They will develop a gospel scholarship beyond that which their forebears could achieve. They will have the testimony that Jesus is the Christ and be competent to proclaim Him and to defend Him.” [13]
That generation is me and you. We now hold the scriptures in our hands. I stand in wonder, awe, and gratitude for the miracle of the scriptures: The writings of disciples who recorded their personal witness of Christ, circumstances that preserved them, faithful servants who translated them by the power of God, and gospel scholars who provided the tools we have for understanding them today. Power flows into our lives as we diligently study them.
Let’s return to Peter three years after his first encounter with Christ. The Savior has been crucified and resurrected. The fisherman has returned to what is familiar, not knowing what will come next. He stands on the shores of the sea of Tiberias with a net, a boat, and another night of failed fishing. John records this scene in Chapter 21:
“Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” [14]
Peter’s washed net, cast into the deep and bursting with fish, “an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.” [15]
The net wasn’t broken! Neither was Peter’s commitment and love for the Lord.
Maybe what Peter is showing us is that discipleship is formed in ordinary moments. Faith in Jesus Christ grows as we keep doing the necessary work, even when it feels repetitive or unsuccessful, and choose—nevertheless—to trust the Savior.
As we remember and live our covenants, our everyday choices begin to matter in deeper ways, shaping who we are becoming. And as we quietly and consistently do the work of washing our nets—through obedience, temple attendance, scripture study, and simple acts of goodness—we may find that the Savior is closer than we think, ready to invite us to use our well-tended nets to receive the abundance He has to offer all faithful disciples.
This is my experience, my witness, and my hope for each of us. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen!
Notes
[1] Luke 5:1-2
[2] Luke 5:3-4
[3] Luke 5:5
[4] Luke 5:6-11
[5] Matthew 4:20
[6] Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt, in Our Savior’s Love: Hope & Healing in Christ.
[7] Mosiah 18:10
[8] General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 26.4.2, Gospel Library.
[9] 2 Nephi 32:9
[10] Henry B. Eyring, “All Will Be Well Because of Temple Covenants,” Liahona, Apr. 2024, 26.
[11] Words of Mormon 1:7
[12] Journal Entry of Dr. D. Kelly Ogden, in possession of Jennifer Platt.
[13] Boyd K. Packer, “Scriptures,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53.
[14] John 21:5-6
[15] John 21:11
About Jennifer Platt
Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt is the daughter of Spencer and Alice Brinkerhoff and was born and raised in Arizona. She earned a PhD in educational psychology from Arizona State University. As a single adult, she led the first youth conference held in Ethiopia. Sister Platt has a deep love for the Church Educational System and has been a religious educator for 25 years. She taught seminary and institute in Arizona and has been a religion faculty member on three different BYU campuses: BYU, BYU–Idaho, and BYU–Hawaii. Sister Platt is currently the Associate Department Chair of Religious Education here on campus.
Her happy places include the House of the Lord, her garden, the middle of a good book, and anywhere the sun is shining. Whether it is the BYU Cougars, shy Primary children, or weary marathon runners, Jennifer loves cheering for people. She is married to Jed Platt and is the mother of two children.