Brothers and Sisters, I am grateful to be gathered with you today on this BYU-Idaho campus. I am grateful for the goodness found on this campus and for all that you do to make BYU-Idaho such a great place to learn. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord will be here so that we can be taught.
I would like to share with you an experience I had when I was a young man. I was born and raised in Montana and I lived just a few hours from the Rocky Mountains. In the scouting program, one of the activities I looked forward to each summer was backpacking in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area, which is located south of Glacier Park. On one trip our leaders planned a three-day hike that started at Benchmark and finished at Gibson Lake just outside of Augusta, Montana. Our leaders planned for us to hike six to eight miles each day so we could reach our final destination in three days and meet up with our transportation, so we could return home.
On the second day of the trip we reached a beautiful meadow called Pretty Prairie. Pretty Prairie is a very long meadow with mountains on one side and the South Fork of the Sun River on other. When we reached this meadow the trail disappeared. As we walked through this long meadow we noticed a trail that went up the mountainside and we assumed that it was the trail we needed to take and so we followed it. The trail was very narrow and steep and after a few miles the trail reached the top of this mountain and disappeared. At this time our leaders were confused and they decided to pull the maps and compass to see where the trail went. According to the map we were not on a trail. It appeared that we found a game trail or a trail used by deer, elk or mountain goats. Upon further inspection of the map we found that we had traveled far from our course. We needed to go back to the beautiful meadow and on the opposite side of the meadow from where we entered was the trail we needed to be on to reach our final destination. As young scouts, we were exhausted and a few scouts were in tears. We were disappointed with having to follow the same trail back to the meadow to correct our mistake. We calculated that the mistake caused us to hike an additional four to five miles extra that day. I learned on that trip that backpacking was more enjoyable if you closely follow a good map and use a compass to help you reach your final destination.
Like backpacking, our life on this earth has a purpose or a destination and it is important for each of us to know what that destination is and follow the map and compass our Father in Heaven has provided for us. This compass and map is called The Plan of Salvation or The Great Plan of Happiness. The description of the map and detailed instructions of how we are to use the compass are given to us in the scriptures and through our living Prophets today. Like a map the scriptures and prophets teach us where we came from and the direction we need to go to reach our final destination. Utilizing the scriptures and abiding by the teachings of our prophets today you and I can avoid the pitfalls and game trails and stay on the trail or the path that will lead us back to live with our Heavenly Father. Today, I would like to use the scriptures and the words of our prophets to talk about the "Great Plan of Happiness".
In Job chapter 38 verses 6 through 7 we are taught:
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
In the pre-mortal existence each of us shouted for joy when we learned of the opportunity for us to come to earth and experience "The Great Plan of Happiness". Why were we so happy to come to this earth and participate in this great plan?
In Abraham chapter 3 verses 22 through 25 we are taught:
22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
We existed as "intelligences" and "spirits" before we came to this earth and the purpose for each of us was to come to this earth to see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us. This to me sounds like an exam, and not just a unit exam but a final exam. So why were we excited to come to this earth and participate in "The Great Plan of Happiness"?
In Doctrine and Covenants section 131 verses 6 through 8 we learn more about our spirits:
6 It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.
7 There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes;
8 We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter.
In Webster's Dictionary, immaterial is an adjective defined as: "not consisting of matter or unimportant". In Science we define matter as anything that has mass and occupies space. I must also add that chemistry is the study of matter and we learn from the scriptures that our spirits consist of matter. So, for those of you who will be taking chemistry in the future we learn from the scriptures that chemistry does matter.
In Abraham chapter 5 verse 7 we learn:
7 And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his spirit (that is, the man's spirit), and put it into him; and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.
We came to this earth to gain this body, which is formed from the dust of the earth, and our spirits, which consists of matter, was then placed into our bodies.
In Doctrine and Covenants section 93 verses 33 through 35 we are taught:
33 For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fullness of joy;
34 And when separated, man cannot receive a fullness of joy.
35 The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.
Chemical elements are defined as chemical substances consisting of one type of atom. In Chemistry we have the periodic table of elements that make up all chemical substances and compounds that are composed of different types of elements, including compounds that our physical bodies need to survive and live on this earth. In order for us to receive a fullness of joy our bodies made up of elements and our spirits made of matter must be inseparably connected. That is why the "Plan of Salvations is also called "The Great Plan of Happiness". We knew that in the pre-mortal existence that in order for us to be happy and receive a "fullness of joy" we had to gain our physical bodies and be tested.
We live in a world of uncertainty where many of Heavenly Father's children are confused. Many times throughout my life I have heard people say that they do not participate in religion because they feel it is too controlling. I have heard others say that the commandments take all the fun out of life. I have also heard a few students state that they did not like attending BYU-Idaho because they felt that the rules here take the fun out of going to college. The longer I have lived on this earth the more I recognize these ideas are lies from the adversary. Satan, the father of all lies, wants us to think we are missing out on fun and tempts us to follow a different plan from the plan our Father in Heaven has outlined for us. I have noticed throughout my life that those who keep the commandments are happier while those who break the commandments are miserable.
In October 2011 General Conference President Monson taught:
"It may appear to you at times that those out in the world are having much more fun than you are. Some of you may feel restricted by the code of conduct to which we in the Church adhere. My brothers and sisters, I declare to you, however, that there is nothing, which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the Spirit, which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments. That Spirit cannot be present at the kinds of activities in which so much of the world participates."
Lehi towards the end of his life called his family together to teach them before he passed away. In 2 Nephi chapter 2 verse 25 we read:
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
In verse 28 of the same chapter Lehi continues his counsel to his family:
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
Lehi taught his family "The Great Plan of Happiness". He stated that the purpose of life is that we might have joy. Lehi also taught his family to follow the example of the Savior that by keeping the commandments and following the spirit they would be choosing eternal life.
In Alma chapter 41 verse 10 Alma taught his son Corianton that "Wickedness never was happiness". I know that as we keep the commandments we are happy and likewise if we do not keep the commandments we will be miserable.
Part of "The Great Plan of Happiness" is the progress we make in this life to become spiritually self-reliant. I have been asked by family and friends how BYU-Idaho is different from other universities. You and I have a unique opportunity to work and attend a university that is concerned not only with our development spiritually but also in our development academically. How we develop spiritually will depend on what you and I do and the choices we make. I am convinced that through the revelation of prophets, BYU-Idaho was built to provide an environment where students can develop good habits that will help them develop spiritual self-reliance and become more like the Savior. I would like to suggest four areas that we can always improve on here at BYU-Idaho that will help strengthen us spiritually so we can be happy in this life and receive a fullness of joy in the life to come.
First, make the temple an important part of your educational experience here at BYU-Idaho. We are blessed to have a temple close to campus where we can participate in temple ordinances. Each of us is promised specific blessings as we attend the temple. In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple found in the Doctrine and Covenants section 109 verses 12 and 15, we are promised that the "power and glory" of the Lord will be upon those that enter His Holy house and they will receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost. These blessings are promised to anyone who enters His Holy House. I was taught by a Priesthood leader that when I attend the temple I should go to the temple with questions. I have found that when I attend the temple with questions I receive answers and a greater understanding of "The Great Plan of Happiness", which brings hope and peace to my life, which I am grateful for.
Second, live the gospel by being an active participant in the wards you reside. Prepare yourselves each week to attend church, partake of the Sacrament, and be taught. Arrive to your Sacrament meeting early so you can listen to the prelude music and prepare yourselves to partake of the Sacrament and renew your covenants. Be prepared to participate in the Sunday School lesson and Priesthood or Relief Society lesson. Strive to magnify your callings to the best of your ability. Complete the assignments you are asked to fulfill by your Priesthood leaders. I learned early in life that attending church on Sunday prepared me for the responsibilities I needed to accomplish that week.
Third, make your homes and apartments a sanctuary from the world. The Bible dictionary under temple states: "A temple is a place where the Lord may come, it is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness". Are our homes and apartments a sanctuary from the world? Do you view your apartment or home as a sacred place and make sure nothing enters your home on the TV, computer, or cell phone that would detract from that sacredness?
In Doctrine and Covenants Section 88 versus 118 through 126 we learn how we should organize ourselves and our homes. We learn what we need to do to develop spiritually so we are prepared to go back and live with our Father in Heaven. We read:
118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings.
122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.
123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.
Verses 119 and 120 teach us what we need to do in our homes to establish an environment that is conducive for the spirit to abide there. Whether we live in a basement apartment or in a mansion, if we are single or married with children, we can create an atmosphere in our homes that will invite the spirit. Verses 121 through 125 provide traits and qualities we need to acquire to become more like the Savior. I personally feel that if our homes are not in order, it will be difficult for us to develop the qualities described in verses 121 through 125. We are promised in verse 126 that in the end if we work to establish a "House of God" and to develop spiritually to become like the Savior, He will receive us unto Himself.
Fourth, live the honor code and follow the dress and grooming standards. There are very few places of higher education that strive to create an atmosphere of learning that is conducive to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. I have been a student on other campuses that do not have the honor code nor the dress and grooming standards. I have witnessed the distractions of what some might call "fun" that actually create an environment that is destructive to academic and spiritual learning. As I served as a counselor in a bishopric here on campus I noticed that many students had a positive attitude concerning the honor code and the dress and grooming standards. Those were the students who were happy and fun to be around. The few students who disobeyed the honor code and the dress and grooming standards were miserable and they did not have a good experience here at BYU-Idaho.
The Plan of Salvation or The Great Plan of Happiness helps us to know where we come from and where we are going. This information is important to us to help motivate us to live the Gospel in this life and become the person we need to be, so we can once again live with our Father in Heaven. We are all imperfect and because of the mistakes you and I will make in this life, a Savior was provided to balance out the law of justice with the law of mercy. As we make mistakes, we must repent and because of the Savior's Atonement those sins can be washed clean. Because the Savior overcame death, and because He took upon himself the sins of the world, you and I have the opportunity to live with our Father in Heaven again if we so desire. Living the Gospel and becoming more like the Savior does bring joy and happiness to our lives. Just like returning home from school or a mission, we look forward to the time where we can return to live with our Father in Heaven. This brings a purpose to our lives and to the choices we make in this life. Just because we live the Gospel does not mean that we will always have joy and happiness in this life. There are times when we must pass through trials, tribulations, and sorrow, which can be very difficult.
Elder Robert D. Hales in April 2012 Conference taught about the parable of the prodigal son and how he came to himself after he lost his inheritance and decided it would be better for him to be a servant for his father. Elder Hales teaches:
"Throughout our lives, whether in times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, or sin, we may feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we may hunger for the sacred blessings that only He can provide. At these times we should strive to come to ourselves and come back into the light of our Savior's love.
These blessings rightfully belong to all of Heavenly Father's children. Desiring these blessings, including a life of joy and happiness, is an essential part of Heavenly Father's plan for each one of us. The prophet Alma taught, "Even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you."(Alma 32:27)
As our spiritual desires increase, we become spiritually self-reliant. How, then, do we help others, ourselves, and our families increase our desires to follow the Savior and live His gospel? How do we strengthen our desires to repent, become worthy, and endure to the end? How do we help our youth and young adults let these desires work in them until they are converted and become true "saint[s] through the atonement of Christ"? (Mosiah 3:19)
We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants-through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others."
Brothers and Sisters, I know that as we become spiritually self-reliant, you and I will be happy and in the end you and I will receive a fullness of joy. I also know that we will experience challenges in this life that will cause us pain and sorrow. There are many examples in the scriptures where righteous men and women had to endure difficult trials. I think of Nephi as he had to deal with Laman and Lemuel and their rebellion. In March 1839 Joseph Smith sat in Liberty Jail and received a revelation concerning the persecutions of the Saints and the trails they were dealing with at that time. Just like the Saints during Joseph's time, we can apply to our lives today what the Savior taught in Doctrine and Covenants section 123 verses 16 through 17:
16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
A helm is the tiller by which the ship is steered and compared to the boat itself, it comprises a very small portion of the boat. In a storm the helm of the boat becomes important because you want to keep the boat from going sideways to the waves. If the boat goes sideways to the waves the boat can be easily capsized and destroyed. If you and I do all that we can cheerfully even if the most severe storm is raging around us we can be assured that God is in control and we will see His arm revealed at those times. I testify that this is true. I testify also that as we attend the temple, live the Gospel, make our homes a sanctuary, and live the honor code and dress and grooming standards we become more like the Savior and we avoid the game trails that take us off the main trail of "The Great Plan of Happiness". Living the Gospel brings joy to our lives even as we experience trials and sorrow and I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.