I express gratitude for the opportunity I have been given to speak to you. I pray for and invite the Spirit of the Lord to instruct and edify each of us.
Beginning earlier this summer, my wife underwent a series of three separate surgeries in an attempt to repair the long-term injuries that she sustained as a result of a fatal car accident that occurred nearly 14 years ago. Within a week after being released from the hospital following her first surgery, I was out in our yard on a Saturday afternoon when I noticed an unfamiliar car turn into our driveway. As I approached the car I quickly recognized the two young ladies sitting inside as being social work majors from one of my classes here on campus. Surprised and delighted by their unexpected visit, I quickly invited them to come inside and meet my wife. As they got out of their car I observed them carrying several containers, which I would quickly learn was a delicious full course meal consisting of mashed potatoes, chicken, and homemade rolls.
The following evening a knock came at our door and we were once again pleasantly surprised to see yet another student of mine, a handsome, energetic young man who greeted us with a huge smile on his face, and you guessed it--containers of food in his hands. "Hello Brother Wray, my roommates and I just finished our Sunday dinner and realized we had some extra steaks, potatoes, and corn left over and I was wondering if you would like to have them?" I accepted the food, thanked him for his kindness and told him how much we appreciated his thoughtfulness. As he drove away my wife and I simultaneously had the distinct and overwhelming feeling of gratitude come over us. We were witnessing the blessings from a loving Father in Heaven being carried out by a few selfless students who were willing to drive over 40 miles round trip to deliver not just a meal, but a powerful message of kindness that would lift our hearts and spirits.
The story doesn't end there. Over the course of the next week, Sister Wray and I would be taught several lessons on what it means to be Christ-like. Our love for you wonderful students who attend this, the Lord's dedicated university, was renewed as cards filled with hope, along with visits from more "leftover food bearing students" continued to show up on our door step, bringing with them tasty meals of frozen lasagna, tacos, and an enchilada casserole dish made from a special recipe. These delicious meals not only provided nutrition and physical strength to our bodies; these simple Christ like acts of kindness and charity also brought spiritual nourishment to the heart and soul of Sister Wray and me. We were truly witnessing King Benjamin-style attributes:
"Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
"Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."[1]
It was evident that while these students were serving Sister Wray and me, they were following Christ's example and were becoming more like Him, and in so doing, were obeying the very same counsel the Lord gave Emma Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 25:10 when He said: "And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better." Through following Christ's example these wonderful students will be blessed beyond their own abilities to become what the Savior wants them to be.
In his April 2005 General Conference address entitled "The Virtue of Kindness," Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
"Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christ like person treats others. Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes."
In his First Presidency message given in October 2008 entitled "Developing Christ like Attributes," President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, shared this thought:
"To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christ like attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at the same time. Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words: 'Keep the commandments'-nothing more, nothing less."
As found in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-6, examples of Christ-like attributes we should be striving to develop during the course of our lives include humility, charity and love, obedience and diligence, brotherly kindness, godliness, and charity.
With permission I share the following story. Many years ago as a young boy in the Aaronic Priesthood of the Idaho Falls 9th Ward, I had the opportunity of participating in what was called a "youth super activity" that would involve taking a trip to Manti, Utah, to watch the outdoor theatrical performance re-enacting the remarkable story of how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded and of the Mormon pioneers who colonized the West.
Just thinking about that summer activity that took place nearly 35 years ago brings back the boyish excitement I had back then as final preparations were being made to take the 335-mile convoy to Manti, Utah. The thought of spending the next several days with many of my close friends far from home was almost more than my adolescent mind could absorb. The expectations I had for this activity was a close contender to what most children experience while trying to fall asleep on Christmas Eve, complete with all the butterflies and anticipation. When the day finally arrived to meet at the church and divide up into separate cars to begin our long journey, I noticed my good friend DeAnna who was sitting with her father Lyle in their large motor home. I quickly surveyed my travel options, which consisted of sitting shoulder to shoulder in a station wagon or a minivan, versus the soft couches, table, and fridge of a large and spacious motor home. I wasted no time in securing my spot in the motor home.
Lyle, although less active in the Church, had accepted the assignment to be a driver and a chaperone for this special activity. His decision to be part of this excursion would later prove to be a turning point in both of our lives. I'm uncertain as to where or even when, but somewhere along Interstate 15, a friendship began to develop between Lyle and me. What began as small talk, gradually turned into an atmosphere of joking, laughter, and fun. The activity was a giant success, but, as all things do, the trip ended and we soon found ourselves arriving back in Idaho Falls late on a Saturday evening. Bishop Hopkins had made it clear at the beginning of the trip that anyone who went on this super activity had to commit to come to church the following morning, so when Lyle dropped us off, my good friend Hal and I gathered up our courage and extended an invitation to Lyle to attend church with us the next morning. Lyle's response, although I have forgotten his exact words, left us with the impression that he had no intention of going with us. Not willing to accept defeat that easily, Hal and I informed him that we would be over his home early the next morning to pick him up for priesthood meeting.
Sunday morning arrived, and Hal and I made our way up the street to Lyle's home, not knowing what to expect. We rang the doorbell and patiently waited. Finally, Lyle's wonderful wife, Gloria, emerged, still in her robe. She thanked us for coming, but informed us that Lyle was still in bed asleep. Feeling somewhat dejected we made our way over to the church, vowing to return the following Sunday for a rematch. The week seemed to go by fast, and when Sunday arrived Hal and I found ourselves back on Lyle's doorstep. Once again, Sister Hansen appeared at the doorstep in her robe, only to deliver the same message of "Thanks for coming, but I'm sorry, Lyle won't be going with you today either."
With the resilience of youth on our side, Hal and I decided to make a third attempt to invite Lyle to attend priesthood meeting with us. Just like the previous two times we rang the doorbell, perhaps anticipating another long wait, followed by the appearance of Lyle's sleepy (and probably somewhat annoyed) wife who would then deliver yet another message of rejection. However, to our surprise, when the door opened, Sister Hansen invited us in and told us Lyle was almost ready, and that he would be coming to priesthood meeting with us.
As I look back on that experience that took place more than 30 years ago, I can see that my friend Hal and I were laying the cornerstone of our personal Liahonas. We wouldn't see it then, but would later realize that planting a small seed of brotherly love in the fertile soil of a good man's heart would have a lasting impact on each of us. As the years passed by, the seed would continue to grow, being cultivated through regular church activity and spiritual nourishment, producing strong roots that wrapped themselves firmly into the gospel soil. Through Brother and Sister Hansen's increasingly faithful activity in the Church, that seed grew into a marvelous spiritual tree whose branches to this day continue to provide support, strength, love, and comfort to all who pass by it. As we are taught in Doctrine and Covenants 64:33, "And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."
Having the blessings of an increased testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ back in their lives would prove to be a blessing for Brother and Sister Hansen. Within a few short years of becoming more active in the Church, their only daughter DeAnna was killed in a tragic car accident, being called home in the prime of her life. Not long ago, while speaking with the Hansens over the phone, I learned that they had recently lost a son after a long and courageous battle with a rare illness, and that Lyle had been diagnosed with cancer. Although the road ahead would seem insurmountable, the Hansens relied upon their faith, a belief in the plan of salvation, the healing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the calming and reassuring influence of the Holy Ghost to carry them through the heartaches they experienced. I believe the Hansens were following the counsel that Heleman gave to his sons Nephi and Lehi:
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."[2]
I have a deep love and admiration for Brother and Sister Hansen and I thank my Father in Heaven for the blessing it has been in my life to know them. My prayer is that they may receive comfort in the knowledge that through Gods infinite wisdom and unconditional love for them He will help them stand firm upon the foundation they have built upon the rock of our Redeemer until that time when they can be reunited once again as an eternal family.
In Moroni 7:45-48, Mormon teaches us what we must do to fortify our foundations and maintain our personal Liahonas:
"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in the iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail--
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
As we strive each day to build our own personal foundations upon the rock of our Savior Jesus Christ by engaging in Christ-like activities, we increase our capacity to love Him more, and to love others as He does. President Henry B. Eyring said:
"Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him, our perfect example. Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others. There is no surprise in that, since the Lord proclaimed those as the first and great commandments. It is love of God that will lead us to keep His commandments. And love of others is at the heart of our capacity to obey Him."[3]
There are not many places where I have witnessed Christ-like attributes and a love for one another more than I have right here on this campus. For example, not long ago I went into one of my classrooms to find a poster taped to the wall. The poster simply read: "Code Name Happy, 1,000 acts of random kindness." Under those words were tally marks. Each day I would come into the classroom, observing that the marks on the bottom of the poster were rapidly multiplying. One mark for one act of random kindness. Through each simple act of kindness these students were glorifying their Father in Heaven. As spoken by the Savior in his Sermon on the Mount:
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."[4]
The Savior glorified His Father in Heaven through His countless acts of kindness and compassion, including His eventual atoning sacrifice for each of us upon condition of our willingness to repent. The essence of such Christ-like attributes in each of our lives will become apparent as we strive to glorify our Father in Heaven by allowing our mortal lights to shine unceasingly during our mortal sojourn. I had the good fortune to personally witness an act of unconditional love that transcended beyond anything I had ever before witnessed, leaving an indelible impression upon me.
It began late one Saturday afternoon in August 1997. My wife, our 4-year-old son, and I were enjoying a leisurely drive in the country, when we were suddenly broadsided by a car driven by a young man who was attending Ricks College. Being unfamiliar with the back roads in this area, this young man failed to observe the stop sign while trying to make his way back to Rexburg. The unexpected collision was both swift and devastating, instantly causing the death of our young son, and leaving my wife with life threatening injuries to her head, face, arm, and hands. Upon arriving at the hospital, I was informed that my wife would probably not make it through the night due to the nature and severity of her injuries. However, after receiving a priesthood blessing, my wife was rushed into surgery. I can only assume that angels were nearby that night, attending to my dear wife and guiding the hands of the many skilled surgeons who were charged with saving her life.
After many long hours and into the following morning the surgeries were complete and my wife would be moved into intensive care. When my wife finally regained consciousness, I knew that it was my responsibility to tell her that our little boy was no longer with us, that he had been called home to live with his Heavenly Father. Upon entering the room, I was unable to recognize my wife underneath all the thick, white bandage wraps that were around her head and face. I walked over to her and sat next to her bedside, struggling with how I was going to break the devastating news to her. I began by saying, "I need to talk to you about Kody." Before the next word could come out of my mouth, my wife brought her arms into a cradling position, pointed upward toward the heavens, and slowly gave me the OK sign with the only two fingers that weren't tightly wrapped in bandages.
During the many months following the accident, my wife would undergo more surgeries to repair the injuries sustained to her body. With each passing month her recovery was progressing remarkably well, surpassing even the expectations of the many surgeons who had worked so hard to save her life on that fateful night.
One year later, I was playing catch in our front yard with one of my sons when the young man who was involved in the accident came to our home. I stood there motionless, watching as he got out of his car, coming toward me with his outstretched hand. I extended my hand, but, looking back, I did so cautiously and with noticeable apprehension. Sensing my uneasiness, the young man turned and made his way onto our front steps and knocked on our door. My wife appeared, and without a moment's hesitation, threw her arms around the young man, and while embracing him, said, "I want you to know that I love you and that you are welcome in our home anytime."
In that tender moment I was overcome with humility and gratitude, knowing I truly witnessing a remarkable sort of love and compassion I previously thought only the Savior Himself was capable of offering. It was in that very moment the Spirit touched my heart in a way I am incapable of describing. I knew then I had been ensnared in the suffocating bands of pride and anger, that I had not been putting my trust in God, and that I was deeply in need of humbling myself in order to be guided toward a direct course of forgiveness and Christ-like compassion. Through my lack of faith and consideration for my fellow man during the year following the accident, I was preventing my personal Liahona from functioning properly, causing it to remain in a dormant state; the spindles had ceased to guide me in a direct course, instead, becoming wedged in an immovable setting, pointing in a downward position, thus halting further progression in my life's journey.
In counsel given to his son Helaman regarding the curious workmanship of the Liahona, or compass, Alma stated:
"And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.
"Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;
"Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions."[5]
Alma gave similar counsel to his son Shiblon saying: "And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your trouble, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."[6]
Just as a vehicle requires regular and careful maintenance to keep it running properly, likewise, so to must we provide constant maintenance to our personal Liahona which has been prepared to show us the course we should travel in our lifetime; this maintenance I speak of can be accomplished through demonstrating our faith in God, accompanied by acts of kindness and good works unceasingly. In a recent letter from my son who is currently serving in the Paraguay Asuncion Mission, I received the following counsel: "True happiness is found not only in the gospel of Jesus Christ, but in living the gospel of Jesus Christ."
I bear witness that as we exercise faith and diligence through our good works, we will witness miracles and marvelous works in our lives, and that as each of us strengthen our faith in God by living Christ-centered lives, the spindles in our personal Liahona will point the way we should go, leading us in a direct course back to our Heavenly Father. I so pray humbly, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Mosiah 2:15-17
[2] Helaman 5:12
[3] Henry B. Eyring, "Our Perfect Example," Ensign, November 2009, 70
[4] Matthew 5:14-16
[5] Alma 37:40-42
[6] Alma 38:5