Circles of safety
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
REXBURG, Idaho — In his address to graduates of BYU-Idaho on April 29, Elder Russell M. Nelson offered what he called three circles of safety in a wicked world — the family, the saints and the Savior.
Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve, who presided over the graduation services, was accompanied by Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the Seventy and commissioner of Church Education.
"Spiritually strong families are made by individual effort," Elder Nelson said of the first circle of safety. "Hearken to this counsel given by President Brigham Young: 'Individual self-government lies at the root of all true government. On heaven or on earth, this will apply to great kingdoms and mighty nations or to the home circle.' Self-control must be strong — strong enough, for example, to keep us from the ever expanding evil plague of pornography."
Elder Nelson admonished graduates to avoid such temptations that would destroy their families.
On the safety of the saints, Elder Nelson recalled how Latter-day Saint pioneers "circled the wagons" for safety as they crossed the plains to Utah. He said the practice continues figuratively today, providing protection for members of the Church. "The moment one strays from the safety of the circle of the saints, one is at additional risk of attack by evil, conspiring predators," he said.
Elder Nelson then explained the circle of safety the Savior provides. "That circle is timeless," Elder Nelson said. "It extends from pre-mortal to mortal and post-mortal realms. Here and now, we keep close to heaven through daily prayer and scripture study. Later, thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, we may be encircled about in the arms of His love."
Elder Nelson concluded by teaching graduates their hopes can be realized by staying within those circles of safety and following the commandments of God. "As you leave BYU—Idaho, go forward in faith, armed with righteousness and the power of God in great glory," he said.
In his remarks, Elder Kerr compared the graduates to the righteous army of Helaman described in the Book of Mormon and encouraged them in the responsibilities they will face. "You are men and women to whom something very sacred has been entrusted — an excellent education at a most unique university. May you always be true to that which has been entrusted to you," he said.
Elder Kerr reminded graduates their BYU—Idaho education was made possible by sacred tithing funds. Accordingly, they are expected to be men and women of truth and soberness who keep the commandments. "You will do this because you know that this is what it means to be true at all times in whatsoever thing is entrusted to you," he said.
In brief remarks, BYU-Idaho President Kim B. Clark taught graduates the purpose of their BYU—Idaho education was to prepare them for a world filled with great opportunities and increasing turmoil. "Because we live in the dispensation of the fullness of times, you will have in your lives many wonderful and many challenging experiences. With that future in mind, we have sought to prepare each of you to become a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and a leader in your families, in the Church, and in the world around you."
President Clark encouraged graduates to stand up for truth and lead by example. "Being a disciple of the Savior and a leader in the kingdom is all about standing. Indeed, it is about standing in holy places," he said.
President Clark outlined several ways graduates can prepare themselves for this responsibility, including weekly, prayerful renewal of the commitment to remember the Savior and keep His commandments, regular temple attendance, and missionary work. He promised graduates that as they do these things the Lord will bless them with His Spirit and enable them to stand firm in the faith.
The commencement ceremony, held at BYU—Idaho's Hart Auditorium, honored 1,614 graduates. Of those, 1,201 earned bachelor's degrees and 431 received associate degrees.
