'Even as I am'
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PROVO, UTAH
Working for Scottish golf pro Alex McCafferty wasn't easy, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton told young adults at the Church Educational System fireside Sunday evening, Nov. 2.
Prior to his mission, he worked in McCafferty's golf shop. When his work didn't meet expectations, the pro would say, "David, my boy, will you ever make something of yourself?"
The impact that statement had on him developed into the theme of Bishop Burton's address to the young adults gathered in the Marriott Center and those viewing in other places around the world via satellite and Internet broadcast.
"Over the years, I have often reflected on Alex's question: 'Will you ever make something of yourself?"' Bishop Burton said, adding that McCafferty was questioning, among other things, his job commitment and his desire "to be a successful, productive and contributing adult."
The ultimate question, Bishop Burton stated, is "What constitutes success in this life?"
He continued: "The right question for us to focus on is not whether we will make something of ourselves and therefore be successful in the eyes of the world, but rather the question posed by the Savior Himself: 'Therefore, what manner of men (and women) ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am"' (3 Nephi 27:27).
Then Bishop Burton asked, "What manner of men and women ought ye to be? In my ponderings, I continue to ask: What are the attributes of a Christlike life? What is the appropriate pattern to use in coping with the challenges of life? What does it mean to be 'even as I am?' I certainly don't know all that is expected, but attributes like love of God and fellowmen, compassion, example, obedience, service and keeping covenants may be a few."
He then spoke of ways the young adults could become what they ought to be.
He directed them to the example of President Thomas S. Monson, not only in his visible Church service but also to the example in his private ministry of "serving, being concerned, reaching out and blessing the 'one,' and offering encouragement and comfort."
Bishop Burton also counseled listeners to follow the Church president's example of faith and prayer.
"Many of you are at a stage of life when you will be making decisions which will shape your earthly lives as well as your eternal lives. Some of you are in the process of making decisions about your education. Others of you may be contemplating a mission. Many may be endeavoring to decide what they wish to do for a career, or life's work. Perhaps some of you may be trying to decide if he or she is the right person to be your eternal companion. These decisions will be much easier if you take them before the Lord in prayer."
Those matters, along with sin and faltering testimonies should all be matters of prayer, he said. "Seek the participation of our Father in Heaven through humble prayer and then have the faith and determination to follow His counsel as conveyed by the Holy Spirit."
Speaking of the uncertain and turbulent times facing youth, he told them not to fear but to be obedient, faithful members of the Church. "What manner of men and women we will be, in part, will be influenced by how well we handle the fearsome and unforeseen aspects of life," he said.
There is, he continued, much to be optimistic about as the Church goes forward with projects such as building temples and meetinghouses, supporting missionary work and helping the poor.
"The work of the Lord marches on to achieve its prophetic destiny," he declared. "... Isn't it exciting to realize that you and I will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of the miracle that is destined to occur? What manner of men and women you will be will in part be a function of your devotion and assistance in moving His kingdom forward."
Bishop Burton read the words of the hymn "Come, Let Us Anew" (Hymns, no. 217).
"The message of encouragement conveyed in this hymn is clear," Bishop Burton said. "It suggests that in our quest to become as the Savior suggested, 'even as I am,' we must often renew our enthusiasm and never stand still in our good works until the Master appears. If we delay, time will pass us by and the fugitive moment will forever be gone."
To be the manner of men and women they should be, Bishop Burton told the young adults they have to be examples in their private lives. He shared an experience he had a few months earlier when working to repair a broken water line. Needing a part to complete the repair, he went to Home Depot wearing clothes that were wet and muddy and with arms covered with grease. As he examined the parts in the store, he heard someone say, "That doesn't look like the Presiding Bishop to me." Bishop Burton said, "I was embarrassed beyond words because I had failed to live up to the standard expected."
Concluding his address, Bishop Burton spoke of a time he golfed with Arnold Palmer. He heard the caddy tell the golfing legend about a stream on the left side of the fairway and heavy rough on the right. Then he heard Palmer tell the caddy he didn't want to know what was to the right or the left of the fairway, but only the distance from his ball to the flag on the green.
"Too many of us are concerned about what is on the right and what is on the left and fail to adequately focus on the principal objective that is right down the middle," Bishop Burton said. "When we fail to focus on the right things, it is difficult to become the 'manner of men and women' that we desperately want to be. In this endeavor, remember that the Lord promised that 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up"' (Doctrine and Covenants 84:88).
E-mail to: ghill@desnews.com
