President and Sister Gilbert, faculty, staff, students and friends, I am humbled by the invitation to speak to you today. As I share some thoughts I pray the Holy Ghost will sanction my words and convey to all of us a specific invitation to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ. I further pray that the Spirit will edify us during this time together.
You've all entered a remarkable season of life. For many of you, it's your first time living away from home. You're making decisions on your own, feeling a measure of freedom, figuring out your likes and dislikes, and seeing how your experiences measure up against your parents' advice. In the university setting you encounter a variety of knowledge, ask all kinds of questions, write about everything from geology to visual art, take exams, and try to anticipate future trials and blessings. As you gain an education, live with roommates, work part-time jobs, and socialize with others, you develop a greater sense of identity and purpose. It is an exciting and terrifying time—a time of hope and ambivalence. Elder Hales, speaking of you, called this season the "decade of decision."[1] He said this because, generally speaking, the decisions we make between the ages of 18 to 30 will establish powerful patterns for the rest of our lives. What you do now will impact your life in grand and subtle ways in the years ahead.
Near the end of last semester I ran into a student who took two classes from me during my first year as a teacher. I was thrilled to see her, meet her husband, and learn about her family. We spoke at length about her trials and triumphs. I rejoiced to see that her testimony of the gospel had grown and that she was staying true to her temple covenants. Our reunion reminded me of Alma when the scriptures share with us what it was like for him to see the sons of Mosiah after fourteen years of preaching the gospel among the Lamanites. It had been approximately the same amount of time since I'd seen this student. The book of Alma relates, "Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord."[2] This dear student still lived a life of burning faith and committed discipleship. Life had presented its share of personal challenges. Amid her various trials and decisions, she continued to live a life of faith, humility, integrity, and charity. I trust you've had similar reunions with friends and family members.
There is supernal joy in seeing someone we love make righteous choices, keep their sacred temple covenants, and diligently serve the Lord. This joy is especially sweet when we reunite after a long season of absence. On the other hand, there is pain when we see those we love make decisions that limit their growth, turn away from God, and by and by reject His gospel.
When you and I run into each other at some restaurant or park in twenty years, what will our response be? What will our walk with the Lord be like at that point in our lives? My desire and prayer is that we'll still be "brethren [and sisters] in the Lord,"[3] that we'll feel what Ammon did, being "swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength,"[4] that we'll still live according to our baptismal and temple covenants. With an eye toward your eternal well-being and a desire for all of us to remain firm in the faith until the end of our lives, I share three scriptural paradigms or examples that can help us stay true to the Lord and His restored gospel regardless of what may beset us along the road home to our Father in Heaven.
Paradigm #1: The Penitent Woman
In the book of Luke we learn that Simon, a Pharisee, invites the Lord to eat with him. While the Lord dines in Simon's home, a woman who has a reputation as a sinner comes to worship the Savior. She washes his feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. After this cleansing, she then kisses his feet and anoints them with valuable ointment. Jesus welcomes this experience, yet Simon and others within his household are suspicious of both the Lord and the woman. Simon says to himself that if the Lord knew who this woman was He would not associate with her. At this point, the Lord discerns Simon's thoughts and tells him the story of the creditor and two debtors. One debtor owed 500 pence and the other owed 50. The creditor forgives both debts and Jesus asks Simon, which of these two individuals most loves the creditor? Simon correctly replies that the one who had the larger debt loved the creditor more. Jesus concludes this story by relaying how it is analogous to their current situation:
Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.[5]
Over the next twenty years, you and I will make mistakes. We will sin and fall "short of the glory of God."[6] Often when we choose poorly, our first reaction is to cloak our sin. We are like the persona in George Herbert's poem "Love (3)" when he admits, "Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back, / Guilty of dust and sin" (1-2).[7] We become adept at fooling everyone, even ourselves at times. But we can never deceive the Lord. What strikes me about this woman is her ability to recognize her sin. While she doesn't come out and say she has sinned, we see this acknowledgement as she weeps. Her expression of remorse evidences a broken heart and contrite spirit. Instead of running away, she owns her mistake and tries to "restore the pledge"[8] to make reconciliation. Unfortunately, others had labeled her; however, she does not let these appellations stop her from drawing close to the Savior and worshipping Him. Since the time Jesus enters Simon's home this good woman keeps the full measure of her thoughts, attention, energy, and focus on the Lord and on Him alone. She does not seem to care what others think or say of her. Rather she cares only what Christ thinks.
Moreover, she serves and loves by doing some uncomfortable things. She publicly washes, kisses, and cleanses the Savior's feet. Repentance requires us to do some demanding tasks. We may need to visit with the bishop and confess our sins. We may be required to not partake of the sacrament for a season. We may have to apologize publicly for behavior that affects a large swath of people. We may have to break ties with individuals, groups, or organizations. We may be subjected to unjust and condemning labels. Repenting completely will entail doing something strenuous now to avoid agony in the future. Our whole focus on the Lord will have far greater consequences for us in the present and will be far less painful than what might happen in the future if we run and hide from Him.
Furthermore, this dear sister gives a valuable gift to the Lord: an alabaster box of ointment.[9] This costly present was an extension of her heartfelt desire to repent, know the Savior, and understand His will for her. She extends to Him one of her very best gifts, treating Him as the Beloved Son of our Heavenly Father; whereas Simon seems to treat the Lord like a curiosity or movie star. Similar to the penitent woman, do we repent with all our hearts and bestow our most precious talents of time, effort, honesty, goods, and love to the Lord? Or do we hold back a portion of our hearts and casually worship Him? Speaking of repentance, Elder Holland admonishes us:
You can change anything you want to change, and you can do it very fast. Another satanic sucker punch is that it takes years and years and eons of eternity to repent. That's just not true. It takes exactly as long to repent as it takes you to say, "I'll change"—and mean it. Of course there will be problems to work out and restitutions to make. You may well spend—indeed you had better spend—the rest of your life proving your repentance by its permanence. But change, growth, renewal, and repentance can come for you as instantaneously as they did for Alma and the sons of Mosiah. . . Do not misunderstand. Repentance is not easy or painless or convenient. It is a bitter cup from hell. But only Satan, who dwells there, would have you think that a necessary and required acknowledgement is more distasteful than permanent residence. Only he would say, 'You can't change. You won't change. It's too long and too hard to change. Give up. Give in. Don't repent. You are just the way you are.' That is a lie born of desperation. Don't fall for it.[10]
In short, when we sin, may we go quickly and humbly to the Lord. Don't wait, thinking you're not redeemable. Be wary of feeling you can repent later or on your own or that you need to be better before you ask the Lord for help. Don't wait, thinking you'd rather not burden the bishop and the Redeemer. Go now. Recognize your sins and give them to God. Remember He died for all of us. Remember this dear woman and go with your whole soul and everything you hope to become. In turn, you'll receive his benediction, "Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace."[11]
Paradigm #2: The Lad
While here at BYU-Idaho and upon graduating, you'll participate in diverse wards. You have been and will be called upon to feed those for whom you have a particular stewardship. The Lord teaches us about our responsibilities when He and His disciples fed the 5,000.
When Jesus lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, . . . saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. . . . So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.[12]
As Christ's disciples, we are responsible to feed the flock regardless of our official calling. Some of you currently work in visible capacities. Others serve behind the scenes. Our stewardships will change depending on the seasons of our lives. Within each of our duties in the kingdom, from time to time we face complexities that seem insurmountable. The Lord knows how He can help us, yet sometimes He asks us a question to prove our willingness to trust in Him and Him alone. Philip and Andrew think it is impossible to feed the 5,000. Yet the account mentions a lad who has presumably done his part to prepare food for perhaps his family or others in need. The lad is at best inconspicuous in this story; nonetheless, the Lord uses this boy's offering and multiplies it a thousand-fold.
At one level we are this lad. Each of us has skills and talents, which in the aggregate do not amount to much. We bring the equivalent of five loaves and two small fishes to our corner of the kingdom. Some of you may feel a bit overwhelmed by your current assignment in the church. You may serve in an elders quorum or Relief Society presidency and feel the daunting task of helping your brothers and sisters come unto Christ. Somewhat like Andrew you may question, "What can I do among the needs and challenges of so many?" Yet, remember the Lord knew what He would do. He multiplied the lad's offering, providing so much food that we learn "[w]hen they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."[13] Will the Lord not do the same for us as we ask in faith and believe that He can bless us in our callings?
Now you may say, "But, Brother Bennion, I am only a visiting teacher right now and the women I work with are fine." Or you may think, "I serve as the secretary in the Sunday School organization, and my responsibility seems mundane and at times pointless." The lack of real and/or perceived duty may make you want to slack off or cause you to think that the Lord does not care about you and your offering. However, let me assure you He does care and will use you as you are in the right spot at the right time doing the right thing. The key here is for us to engage in His work. The Lord knows that when you and I perform our duty we'll save souls and that soul may be our own. President Heber J. Grant, seventh President of the Church, offers the following insight regarding duty: "There is no danger of any man or woman losing his or her faith in this Church if he or she is humble and prayerful and obedient to duty. I have never known of such an individual losing his faith. By doing our duty faith becomes perfect knowledge."[14] President Grant promises, "There is no power given to the adversary of men's souls to destroy us if we are doing our duty."[15] It does not matter how small or grand or insignificant or visible our responsibility. What matters is that when we accept our task and act in faith, asking for God's assistance He will multiply our efforts just as He did the lad's.
Remember, too, Adam's response when he received the commandment to sacrifice. "[H]e was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me."[16] Like most of us when called to a new assignment, we do not know most or any reasons for such a calling. In fact, we are usually overwhelmed and nervous. However, when we serve consistently over an extended time period, the answers come quietly, naturally, and certainly. After he offers sacrifices, not before, Adam learns that his offerings are in the similitude of the Son of God. He imparts of his goods to show his dependence on the Lord, and God in return blesses Adam with the presence of the Holy Ghost and a sure knowledge that redemption through the Savior will come. The lad also presents his loaves and fishes, akin to Adam, with an eye single to God's glory; the Lord then multiplies that small yet wholehearted effort.
He will do the same for you, yet the rewards may not be feeding 5,000 individuals. Nonetheless, He may give you time to accomplish your academic work. He may multiply your energy, allowing you to feel physical health in spite of little sleep. He may multiply your ability to discern the needs of others so that you can lift, encourage, and bless their lives. He may multiply your spiritual gifts so that you can teach your children to be better prepared to fulfill their missions on this earth. I cannot say how He will help you, but I submit that He will at the very least add to the strength of your testimony, your peace, your safety, and your joy in this work.
Even if you don't have an official calling in your ward, please know that our covenant relationship with the Savior is enough to prompt us to action. Praying daily, serving others, keeping the Sabbath Day holy, treasuring constantly the Lord's words, and following the counsel of latter-day prophets and apostles will keep us in the path of duty. Sometimes the temptation exists to think, "Well, I don't have to go to church this Sunday. I don't have an official assignment." Going to church is our duty. Worshipping the Lord with all we are is our responsibility. We shouldn't need an official calling to move us to action. We simply need to associate among our brothers and sisters and find ways to serve. If you feel like the bishop has overlooked you, don't feel slighted or grateful, simply pray to our Father asking, "Lord, please help me utilize my loaves and fishes to nourish those in need. And, Lord, if it be thy will, please multiply my efforts for the benefit of others."
Paradigm #3: Zacharias & Mary
Over the next twenty years, you and I will encounter circumstances that defy description. We may experience the deaths of loved ones, health challenges, the results of others' poor choices, unemployment, marital problems, family crises, and a score of other difficulties. Conversely, as we look for it we will recognize God's hand working in miraculous ways. Zacharias and Mary were two such souls who experienced nearly the same ineffable, glorious situation.
Zacharias and Elisabeth had prayed to have a son, but for whatever reason that blessing was not forthcoming during the early part of their lives. Several years later, an angel appears to Zacharias, the high priest, as he's officiating in the temple, proclaiming that his wife will bear a son, a child that will turn "many of the children of Israel . . . to the Lord their God."[17] This son, the angel asserts, will be an Elias figure, preparing the way for the holy Messiah. The same angel, Gabriel, appears to Mary some six months later. He tells her, "And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."[18]
Both individuals have received holy communication from an angel of the Lord; they have been told that their sons' choices will alter the history of the world. Zacharias and Mary initially feel fear when the angel appears, they experience confusion, and both eventually rejoice at receiving these divine announcements. Even their response to the angel seems similar. Regarding the birth of a son, Zacharias asks, "Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years."[19] Mary ponders, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"[20] While these questions are nearly parallel, the angel answers them differently. He reproves Zacharias for his unbelief, causing him to be speechless. In the case of Mary, he answers her question and explains what will happen. I have wondered why the angel would have such a different response to both individuals, especially when they've asked nearly the same question. Brother Alan L. Wilkins, former Academic Vice-President at BYU, suggests the following idea:
Both Mary and Zacharias ask how the miraculous, promised events will occur. Yet Zacharias' question must have been uttered in a spirit of doubt. In addition, some have argued that Zacharias is asking for a sign when he says "whereby shall I know this?" If that is true, Gabriel probably took that as further evidence of unbelief. By contrast Mary's question appears almost paradoxical. It appears to question the announcement and yet believe it simultaneously. Of course Mary's question isn't paradoxical at all. She simply is asking for the understanding that she lacks, all the while believing that the event will occur. Her question is . . . remarkable, because it is so fresh and honest.[21]
Zacharias asks from a space of doubt and unbelief. Mary, though, probes out of a sincere and honest heart. This story shows us that asking questions is central to our lives as disciples, yet the way in which we ask questions is equally important.
When we encounter such a moment—either trying or miraculous or both as was the case with Zacharias and Mary—we may naturally ask "Why, Lord, did this happen? Why do I not understand? Why am I the recipient of this action or this temptation?" The late Elder Richard G. Scott invites us to frame our challenges and queries in a new way:
When you face adversity, you can be led to ask many questions. Some serve a useful purpose; others do not. To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this, now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? Willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, when you pray with real conviction, 'Please let me know Thy will' and 'May Thy will be done,' you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving Father.[22]
All of us have had, have now, or will have questions about our discipleship, our trials, our doctrine, our history, and/or our relationship to others and God. There are anxieties within our own hearts that are known only to the Lord. He values our queries and yearns to answer us according to the righteous desires of our hearts as well as what's in our best eternal interest. The beauty of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that it started in response to a young boy's sincere question. Joseph Smith's inquiry to know which of all the churches was right has become a pattern for our own lives today. As Latter-day Saints, we trust and know that God will hear and answer our honest, real-intent, heartfelt prayers. Our task is that when tough personal, professional, or spiritual dilemmas arise from time to time, as we know they will, we take them to the Lord and like Mary probe from a space of sincerity, humility, and belief, making sure we have the faith and courage to submit to the Lord's will as it is made manifest. We must be willing and ready to receive the answer wherever and whenever it may come. Remember Mary's stunning reply to the angel, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."[23] Mary's response foreshadowed and possibly inspired her Son's reaction when He suffered in Gethsemane and prayed to our Father "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." [24]
Sometimes answers come immediately and sometimes they come slowly. Often they come "line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little," and then the Lord reassures us by promising, "[B]lessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, . . . for unto him that receiveth I will give more."[25] Answers reach us through various means. Sometimes they arrive from prophets and apostles. The scriptures tell us that as we receive their words "as if from [the Lord's] own mouth, in all patience and faith . . . [then] the gates of hell shall not prevail against [us]; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before [us], and cause the heavens to shake for [our] good and his name's glory."[26] In other moments we may obtain direction from the Holy Ghost, loyal friends, dreams, or personal experiences. Regardless of how inspiration occurs, let us remember that God delights to answer us, but He will do so according to His will, time, and way. He may prove us to see if we will exercise faith in Him. In a period when we rapidly glean information via Google searches and Facebook messages, we would do well to remember that obtaining anything worthwhile in this life requires effort, patience, persistence, and courage.
Finding out His will and then aligning our will with His is one of discipleship's greatest challenges. We worry about what we might lose if or when we turn our lives over to Him, but this test is as ultimately rewarding as it is difficult. Elder Neal A. Maxwell observed, "So many of us are kept from eventual consecration because we mistakenly think that, somehow, by letting our will be swallowed up in the will of God, we lose our individuality (see Mosiah 15:7). What we really are worried about, of course, is not giving up self, but selfish things—like our roles, our time, our preeminence, and our possessions. No wonder we are instructed by the Savior to lose ourselves (see Luke 9:24). He is only asking us to lose the old self in order to find the new self. It's not a question of losing one's identity but of finding . . . [one's] true identity!"[27]
The Penitent Woman, The Lad, and Mary
These three paradigms can help us stay the course as we finesse the tribulations of mortality. They also relay interesting parallels for us to consider.
First, the Lord teaches us life-changing lessons in unassuming, simple ways. In these three experiences, He works through humble and meek individuals to teach us about repentance, duty, and questions. More often than not, the Lord reveals himself to us via natural, quiet means and works through modest servants and straightforward friends. We may miss wonderful, plain, and even unexpected blessings if we get caught up in "looking beyond the mark."[28]
Second, in the story of feeding the 5,000 and when the angel appears to Zacharias, we see Philip, Andrew, and Zacharias making mistakes, exhibiting a lack of trust in the Lord. However, later in the scriptures we learn that Zacharias's tongue was loosed; eventually he gave his life as a martyr at the altar of the temple.[29] We also know that Philip and Andrew went on to become diligent defenders of the faith, giving their all for the kingdom's cause. Their examples encourage us to become more valiant and believing. I like to think, too, that Simon the Pharisee accepted and applied the lessons taught to him by the Lord and the penitent woman.
Third, two of these three individuals are unnamed. At one level it's unfortunate that we don't know the names of the woman or the lad. However, perhaps we learn through these stories that it's more important to apply gospel principles than to receive credit for doing so. It does not matter to the Lord our station, class, bank accounts, prestige, honors, or lineage. What does matter is that we take up our cross daily, deny ourselves, and follow Him.[30] He will reward us even if and when others do not.
Fourth, this past General Conference Elder Neil L. Andersen taught us, "Faith is not by chance, but by choice."[31] As the woman, the lad, and Mary chose faith, they turned taxing experiences into marvelous blessings. Our own difficulties may be the very factors that point us to the Savior, allowing us to see His redemptive hand working in our lives. Faith in Jesus Christ always requires a willingness to risk. That risk will be tested, but if we hold on, we'll witness God's glories and the grandeur of his work. The late Catholic nun and poet Marcella Marie Holloway affirms this concept in her poem "The Risk":
You take a risk when you invite the Lord
Whether to dine or talk the afternoon
Away, for always the unexpected soon
Turns up: a woman breaks her precious nard,
A sinner does the task you should assume,
A leper who is cleansed must show his proof:
Suddenly you see your very roof removed
And a cripple clutters up your living room.
There's no telling what to expect when Christ
Walks in your door. The table set for four
Must often be enlarged and decorum
Thrown to the wind. It's His voice that calls them
And it's no use to bolt and bar the door:
His kingdom knows no bounds of roof, or wall, or floor.[32]
Finally, the paradigms of the penitent woman, the lad, and Mary all lead us to the greatest example of all—our Savior Jesus Christ. He knows our toils, idiosyncrasies, inner revolutions, joys, pains, failures, and victories. He loves each of us perfectly and yearns to give us the spiritual grace to handle and overcome the vicissitudes of mortality. He is the perfect Exemplar, the great Physician, and our best Friend.
Brothers and sisters, at the risk of sounding hyperbolic I do not know when or how or if we'll again interact once you leave BYU-Idaho. When you graduate from here, there will be some friends and acquaintances that you will not see until the next life. Irrespective of where we go and how our lives unfold, may we live in such a way that when we ultimately meet again, we'll "still be brethren [and sisters] in the Lord."[33] May nothing derail any of us from following Him and His prophet. I testify that the Savior lives and loves each one of us. Repenting weekly, doing our duty, and sincerely petitioning the Lord with an eye single to His will and glory will keep us on the path that leads back to our heavenly home. That reunion will be glorious because we'll each know we've been valiant in applying the atonement of our Redeemer and living our testimony of Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Robert D. Hales, "To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision," Ensign, May 2007, 48
[2] Alma 17:2
[3] Alma 17:2
[4] Alma 27:17
[5] Luke 7:37-50
[6] Romans 3:23
[7] George Herbert, "Love (3)," The Complete English Works, 184
[8] Ezekiel 33:15
[9] Mark 14:3 & John 12:3
[10] Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, 1985, 6-7
[11] Luke 7:50
[12] John 6:5-11
[13] John 6:12
[14] "Walking in the Path that Leads to Life Eternal," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 2002, 28
[15] "Walking in the Path that Leads to Life Eternal," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 2002, 27
[16] Moses 4:5-6
[17] Luke 1:16
[18] Luke 1:31-33
[19] Luke 1:18
[20] Luke 1:34
[21] Alan L. Wilkins, "Faithful Questions: Seeking for and Being Found by Truth," Brigham Young University 1995-96 Speeches, 1996, 96
[22] Richard G. Scott, "Trust in the Lord," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 17
[23] Luke 1:38
[24] Matthew 26:39
[25] 2 Nephi 28:30
[26] Doctrine & Covenants 21:5-6
[27] Neal A. Maxwell, "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 23
[28] Jacob 4:14
[29] Luke 11:51
[30] Matthew 10:39
[31] Neil L. Andersen, "Faith Is Not by Chance, But by Choice," General Conference Address, Oct. 2015
[32] Marcella Marie Holloway, "The Risk," Divine Inspiration: The Life of Jesus in World Poetry, 118. This poem is shared courtesy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province Archives
[33] Alma 17:2