'Plan of protection' created by Father in Heaven
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REXBURG, Idaho — Finding protection from an ever-deteriorating world was at the heart of a message delivered by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve to students at BYU-Idaho Feb. 24.
On campus to deliver a devotional address and to dedicate additions to four buildings, Elder Scott said, "God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it.
"You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven," Elder Scott said. "It is contained in the scriptures and in the inspired declarations of His prophets. He tabernacled your intelligence with spirit and made it possible for you to enjoy the wonder of a physical body. When you do that in the ways He has decreed, you will be abundantly blessed."
Elder Scott said, "The world is being engulfed in a rising river of degenerate filth, with the abandonment of virtue, righteousness, traditional marriage, family life and personal integrity. President Hinckley has warned publicly that conditions are comparable to those of Sodom and Gomorrah, the epitome of unholy life in the Old Testament."
Continuing, he said Satan skillfully manipulates the power of media and other channels of communication. "We cannot dry up the mounting river of evil influences for they are the result of the exercise of moral agency divinely granted by our Father to His children. But we can, with clarity, warn of the consequences of getting close to its enticing, devouring current. We can even provide life preservers for those caught in those vanquishing waters who recognize the need for help."
He asked, "Have you noticed how Satan's technique is to capture the mind and emotions with flashing images, blaring music, and the stimulation of every physical sense to excess? As a result, there is no opportunity to perceive the quiet promptings of the Spirit.
"(Satan) strives at all costs to so fill life with action, entertainment and stimulation that an individual does not contemplate the consequences of his tempting invitations. Think of it. Some are tempted to violate commandments because of the seductive portrayal on movie, television, and computer screens of drama where the violation of the most basic commandments of God are portrayed as acceptable. They are made to seem attractive, even desirable. There seems to be no serious consequence, rather apparent lasting joy and happiness."
Elder Scott counseled students to turn to the scriptures for guidance. "When understood and lived, the doctrines they contain powerfully motivate uplifting righteous behavior despite worldly decay," he said. "Our Father in Heaven knows His children. He knew that many would choose the wrong paths and that our period would be flooded with temptations of every order and iniquity in every corner. He also knew how you can live successfully in that environment. His scriptures tell you how it is done."
It was a busy day for Elder Scott, who serves on the Board of Trustees of BYU-Idaho and the Church Educational System, as he dedicated additions to four buildings prior to the devotional.
Elder Scott dedicated the new addition to the Ezra Taft Benson Agricultural and Biological Sciences Building that opened in January. The expansion came in large part because of the transition of Ricks College to a four-year university and a growing number of students and faculty members. It includes 25,000 square feet of new classroom and office space and 14,500 square feet of greenhouses.
The apostle also dedicated a new addition to the Mark Austin Technical and Engineering Building that was completed in September. The 10,000-square-foot addition includes computer labs, classrooms and faculty offices.
A new wing of the David O. McKay Library was dedicated after being converted from the old administration building. Finally, Elder Scott dedicated the Joseph Fielding Smith Building Annex, which is used for faculty offices for the English Department.
