'Commencing' at BYU-Idaho with excitement, apprehension
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Speaking at the Dec. 12 Brigham Young University-Idaho commencement, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, likened the graduates' excitement, apprehension and transition to that of the "commencing" era of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio.
The commencement featured 1,163 students receiving degrees, the largest fall graduating class in BYU-Idaho history.
In the Kirtland comparison, President Uchtdorf cited Section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants as containing three lifelong guiding principles:
? Draw near to the Lord (see verse 63);
? Continue to seek learning by study and faith (see verse 118);
? Organize yourself, prepare every needful thing and establish a house according to His pattern (see verse 119).
Draw near to the Lord
Reminding that God is the helpful, much-needed source of all power and wisdom, President Uchtdorf encouraged his audience to learn to speak with their Heavenly Father at all times and in all places, praying from the depths of one's heart.
"Most of all, cultivate the art of listening to the Spirit," he said. "After all, it is a small and still voice. If you impatiently rush in your efforts to hear the Spirit, you might easily miss important answers to your prayers."
Continue to seek learning
Cautioning graduates to not see the commencement as an end of their education, President Uchtdorf said "all of us have a God-given obligation" to continue to seek learning, both by study and faith.
"With increased education, you will become outstanding leaders, capable of dealing with change in our dynamic global society," he said. "Becoming a lifelong learner will also make you more effective as a parent and a spouse and in your efforts to build the kingdom of God.
"You will be able to apply secular knowledge wisely because you have learned how to include faith, character and Christlike attributes in your education."
Organize, prepare and establish
Organizing oneself means establishing divine priorities, never compromising one's loyalty to the Lord and putting His work first in life, President Uchtdorf said.
"Nothing is too simple in the work of the Lord that it should not be done with devotion and total commitment," he said.
President Uchtdorf quoted Chinese writer/inventor Lin Yutang in learning to distinguish between "the noble art of getting things done" and "the nobler art of leaving things undone," with life's true wisdom consisting of "the elimination of all nonessentials."
He projected the graduates' pending demands of family, vocation and Church responsibilities.
"The gift of the Holy Ghost, which was bestowed upon you when you were baptized by water and by fire, will be a sure and trusted guide in using your time wisely and focusing on what the Savior called 'the weightier matters' in life," he said, referring to Matthew 23:23.
Preparing every needful thing for the future is to remember the law of the harvest: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7), President Uchtdorf said.
"This truth is unavoidable," he continued. "There is no reaping without sowing. There is no accomplishment without preparation. No good thing comes without effort and sacrifice."
And when establishing a home, one should study the Lord's pattern, President Uchtdorf said.
"When you are with your family, be with them completely — don't let your mind and heart be elsewhere. Cultivate the art of listening. Listen with your heart. Be patient. Enjoy the moment."
Reminding the graduates of obstacles to overcome, President Uchtdorf encouraged them to see challenges as opportunities and stumbling blocks as stepping stones.
"My wonderful young friends, as you step into the world, your greatest strength will be your personal knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, our Savior and Redeemer," he said. "Your testimony will be your motivation to succeed in life and to accomplish everything your Heavenly Father has prepared for you."
