I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this devotional at BYU-Idaho. I express my appreciation for all the brothers and sisters who have contributed in any way to make this devotional possible. I feel gratitude for President and Sister Kim B. Clark for all they do, not only for this devotional, but for the great service they render to those of you who attend this university. They provide a great example for all of us and I know their impact will be felt for many years to come.
It is an honor to speak a few words to a congregation like this one. You come from different backgrounds with a variety of hopes, dreams and aspirations. One thing you all have in common, however, is the present opportunity to be at this great university to study and prepare for your future life. I echo President Thomas S. Monson's words: "This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it."[1] You are young people with a promising and challenging future ahead. You have so many dreams, and that is a great thing. Dreams can become reality. You are here to get an education and that is important. It is important for you, it is important for your family, it is important for the community and it is important for the Church.
In my life I have valued the importance of getting an education since I was very young. I was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay, in South America. It was there that I learned the importance of getting an education. My father was a carpenter and he often reminded us of his principles or values. He was always saying that the best legacy that he could give us was not material things, but rather an education. It was not hard to accept this principle as a gospel principle once I became a member of the Church. Getting an education is a gospel principle. Like many gospel principles, it comes with at least one promise. In the year 2000, President Gordon B. Hinckley taught the youth of the Church about this principle. "Be smart," he said. He advised the youth to get an education. He promised that those who train their hands and their mind would bring honor to their families and to the Church when he said:
"You belong to a church that teaches the importance of education. You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands...And as you do so and as you perform honorably and with excellence, you will bring honor to the Church, for you will be regarded as a man or woman of integrity and ability and conscientious workmanship."[2]
What a promise! Each of you has embarked on such a path. To this counsel from President Hinckley, we can add very practical advice given by our beloved living prophet. During an interview in May 2008, President Monson said: "You want to be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. If you're not prepared, you're in difficulty . . . It isn't enough to simply get an education . . . Young men should plan to study something that they enjoy and will allow them to earn a living. A person may possess a fondness for, say, Egyptian pottery--but the job opportunities in such a field may be limited . . . Study something you like to do and something that will enable you to have a family and sustain your family."[3]
As you strive to get an education here at BYU-Idaho, you are also getting what we may call the ultimate education. It is the most relevant of all the educations. Whether you realize it or not, you are working to achieve much more than a college degree. You are working to become like Christ. In this sense, life is like unto attending school day and night. Each of us is in this school called life to show our God that we will be faithful in all things. In this process we go through life taking quizzes and exams. We know some of them are coming because they are like midterms. Most, however, are like pop quizzes. They are given without previous notice. Often we call those quizzes and exams the tests of life. As we pass these different tests, we advance in the curriculum of becoming Christ-like.
Now, some of you may feel concerned about what the curriculum of this school of life has in store for you. You may wonder about your future, about tuition, about your grades, or about work. Some may feel lonely or left out. One thing is certain, though, we are not left to our own devices. In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith in Manchester, New York, in March of 1830, the Lord gave some specific commandments. These commandments are instrumental in going through the school of life. That day in March of 1830, the Savior said: "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."[4] The sequence in the scriptures is oftentimes very meaningful. In this case, we are advised to engage in three specific activities, namely: learn, listen, and walk. We are also given the divine promise that by so doing, we will have peace in Him.
The first thing we are commanded to do is to learn of Him. There are many ways to learn of Him and each of us may have our own way of doing so. One way is by observing the life of the Savior. During His ministry here on our continent, He said to His disciples: "for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do."[5] We can learn a lot simply by observing Him and acting accordingly.
Observe what we learn in the book of Luke, for example, when the Savior was surrounded by a multitude of people as he headed to the house of Jairus. Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, a prestigious member of society. He had come to Jesus and dropped to his feet, begging the Lord for help. His only daughter who was about 12 years of age was at home and she was dying. The scripture says that as the Savior headed to Jairus' house, there in the multitude was a woman who was very ill with a blood issue. She had no hope of being cured and she had spent all her earthly possessions in medical treatment, to no avail. This woman reached out and touched the border of His garment. The Savior asked: "Who touched me?" Peter, perhaps somewhat confused, answered with a question of his own: "Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?" The woman, knowing that she had been discovered, confessed. Now listen carefully to the beautiful words the Lord uttered in response: "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."[6]
What can we learn from observing the Savior in this episode of His life? If it were possible for you to express your thoughts, I am sure that all of you would have ideas regarding what we can learn from this episode of the Savior's life. I would like to share what I observed and learned. Notice that He was surrounded by a multitude that called for his attention as much as they could. Further, He was on his way to help someone else. He was in a stressful situation, with a busy schedule, yet he stopped. He looked around for that one person, that one ill woman who needed Him in the midst of the multitude. He showed absolute concern for the one. We could review many examples in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon where the Savior shows this type of caring for the one. How does this attribute of the Savior relate to us?
The Lord commanded us to do those things that He did. Are we taking time to stop and look around to find that one person who needs our help? Are we looking for the one individual in the campus hall, in the store, in the ward, in your family? If you look around, you will find roommates, family members, friends, and others who are in need of comfort. These are the Marthas and the Marys and the Lazaruses and the lepers and the blind and the women with 'issues of blood' that God has put in the multitude of your life.
You will find it very useful to improve the quality of your life by observing how the Lord faced challenges similar to yours. Let me share an example. We all face temptations just as the Savior himself did. We know that "He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them."[7] When He was preparing for the ministry, He was "led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God and the tempter came to him and said, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." The book of Matthew teaches us that the enemy tempted Him two more times. All three times, the Savior rebuked Satan by quoting the scriptures.[8]
Now consider your specific temptations. When you face them, do you know the scriptures in such a way that you can find strength in quoting them by heart? During your days as students, you may be so busy acquiring knowledge that you may fail to take the time to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. This immersion in the scriptures could be your life vest when the temptations come. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to look for answers to the questions of your life. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to search for gospel principles that you can "(write in the) fleshy tables of [your] heart."9 We can learn so much from the life of the Savior based on the accounts we have in the scriptures! He did many good things, for "he went about doing good" always.[10]
In that context, I would like to draw your attention to another challenge that you may be facing this very moment. This challenge may come as a result of your unique situation, but you may know how to cope with it by learning of the Savior. For example, if you are single and your family is far away, the type of thoughts that may be going through your mind might include what shall I do today, what shall I study, what shall I eat, how shall I pay tuition, who shall I date, and so forth. The risk here is that you may become too self-centered. I am talking about what we may identify as the "I" syndrome that a person may suffer during the college years.
If you learn from the life and teachings of the Savior, you will realize that service to others is always one solution to any self-centered spree. In that spirit, I encourage you to analyze what you are doing with your spare time. You might find yourself in a chat room or spending many hours in online social networks. Social networks are a good way to keep in contact with friends and family, but don't let them be a substitute for face-to-face contact. Don't let social networks or video games consume too much time. You could more wisely use that time in helping someone in need.
The second thing we are commanded to do after learning of Him in the revelation given by the Lord is "Listen to my words." One way we listen to His words is by searching the scriptures. Another way to listen and hear His voice is to hear the voice of His servants. For, it is the same.[11]
In these latter days we are uniquely blessed to be able to listen to the words of living prophets, live, every six months. One of my favorite activities when I want to listen to His words is paying attention to the messages given during General Conference. Last month, we had the blessing of listening to those that He has chosen to teach us. I like listening to the teachings that are given. When I do that, I specifically enjoy paying attention to the promises that are given. They fill my soul with hope. They are very relevant, no matter what our station in the school of life may be. As you go through college, you are faced with many pressures and tasks. Each day may find you rushing to place a check mark showing that you can accomplish needed tasks. You may feel overwhelmed or that you are failing to complete your tasks.
Now listen to the words of the Lord through His servants. Last General Conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught about keeping things simple. He pointed out that simplification is the greatest of all sophistications. He also said: "May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better . . . Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you--as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."[12]
Do you really see yourself as His precious daughter or son with divine potential? Our Heavenly Father sees us as we really are. When we are sad, tired, laden, or discouraged, we can turn to Him for help. The Savior himself gave the example. After He had received the news of the passing of John the Baptist--very sad news--after teaching all day long to a multitude, after healing many of their infirmities, after feeding them, He went to a secluded place to pray to the Father. We could say such a day was a busy one for the Savior, but after all of that, He turned to His Father.[13] Are we following His example of turning to our Heavenly Father for help, knowing that we are His children? I know that our Father in Heaven is loving and willing to make our burdens light. Our Father in Heaven absolutely will help us to avoid the rush and the feeling of being overwhelmed. He is there to help each one of us.
The messages from the living oracles of the Lord will always help us to listen to His words and will contribute to our becoming Christ-like. One recent example is the message from President Thomas S. Monson during the Sunday morning session. He spoke about cultivating an attitude of gratitude. He said, "Cultivate within [your] hearts an attitude of gratitude." You have so much to be grateful for. Each of you may have a long list of reasons to be grateful. We know that in that long list you have "those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude" as President Monson said. "Things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us." Another reason to be grateful is the chance that you have to attend a school like BYU-Idaho. Be grateful because you are receiving higher education. Such gratitude will bring additional blessings to your life. Notice that President Monson promised that if you are grateful, the doors of heaven will unlock for you.
The Savior himself gave us many examples of a life full of gratitude. In Chapter 19 of 3 Nephi, we learn that He kneeled and thanked His Father. He first thanked Him for the Spirit given to his disciples.[14] Later, the doors of heaven were unlocked and we see Him thanking for the purification of those that have been chosen.[15] When the doors of heaven are unlocked it is easier to understand President Monson's comment that "to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."[16]
If we are grateful, we will be happier and those around us will be happier as well. In President Monson's words, "how much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!"[17]
Now imagine what a difference this thankful attitude can make in your daily life and the life of those around you.
Hearing the words of the living prophets is one way of listening to the Lord's voice. As we learn of Him and listen to His words, the Holy Ghost will testify of every true principle. Our learning and becoming processes will be completed by the Holy Spirit. I take great comfort in that knowledge.
The third thing that we are commanded to do is "walk in the meekness of His spirit." Notice the operative word here is "walk." We are to learn, listen, and then walk. When the Savior says, "Walk in the meekness of my spirit," He is giving us a call to action. It is a call to walk as He walked. The Lord always does the will of the Father. He submitted his will to the will of His Father and He did it with deep love and trust in His Father. It is in the doing that you will get to know the Lord in an even more profound way.
The Savior himself expressed how important it is to do the will of the Father. He said, "The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." The same applies to us; the Father will not leave us alone during the quizzes and tests of life if we do what pleases Him. If you take time--even today--to think of the things that please the Father and walk accordingly, you will not be left alone. You will be moving in the right direction in your process to become Christ-like. You will perhaps find yourself helping someone in need, being more spiritual or being more Christ-like. It pleases our Father when we learn of Him, listen to His words and walk in the meekness of His spirit.
This is a very specific direction for success in the curriculum of the school of life. The sequence is clear and the promise that follows cannot be better, "you shall have peace in me." I testify to you that the type of peace Jesus Christ offers does bring gratitude and joy. As we take the necessary steps to find peace in Him, we will understand that "wickedness never was happiness." We will discover that in this life, in this very hour, we can live in a state according "to the nature of happiness."[18] We can have peace in Him in this very moment. Using the wording of Alma when he was preaching in Zarahemla, I would ask, "can ye feel so now?"[19] This promise of "peace in Him" fills my soul with joy and hope.
It is an honor for me to testify to you about the Savior. We are so blessed to be alive in the days of the restoration when we have essential knowledge that is important for our eternal salvation. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know it is a book of divine origin because it persuades me "to do good." The Book of Mormon helps me learn about the Savior. It helps me listen to the Lord's words. It helps me walk in the meekness of His spirit. This sacred book helps me to feel His peace. This knowledge about the Savior and His gospel came to us through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know Joseph Smith was the prophet at the beginning of this dispensation. I especially testify that today President Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of our living God. I know that Jesus Christ is the son of the living God. Jesus is the living Christ. He is the Holy Messiah. He is the Anointed One.
Notes
[1] Thomas S. Monson, "In Search of Treasure," Ensign, May 2003, 20
[2] Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth", Ensign, Jan. 2001, 2
[3] Published: Saturday, May 24, 2008 12:10 a.m. by Jason Swensen, Church News staff writer
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 19:23
[5] Nephi 27:21
[6] Luke 8:43-48
[7] Doctrine and Covenants 20:22
[8] Matthew 4:1-11
[9] 2 Corinthians 3:2-3
[10] Acts 10:38
[11] Doctrine and Covenants 1:38
[12] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most." Ensign, Nov 2010, 19-20
[13] Matthew 14:13-23
[14] 3 Nephi 19:20
[15] 3 Nephi 19:28
[16] Thomas S. Monson, "The Divine Gift of Gratitude," Ensign, Nov 2010, 87-90
[17] Thomas S. Monson, "The Divine Gift of Gratitude," Ensign, Nov 2010, 87-90
[18] Alma 41:10-11
[19] Alma 5:26