Becoming a rightful heir brings knowledge
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Individuals can obtain greater knowledge as they become a rightful heir to the blessings of the fathers, Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy told BYU-Idaho graduates during commencement services Saturday, April 10. The ceremony was held in the school's Hart Auditorium on the school's Rexburg, Idaho, campus.
Elder Jensen explained that blessings of a "rightful heir" include a greater desire to become a follower of righteousness.
Drawing from the first two verses in the Book of Abraham, Elder Jensen said, "Like Abraham, most of you have obtained another place of residence and will likely do so again in the coming months, motivated by your desires to obtain the blessings of your fathers and to obtain or possess greater knowledge. Today, I wish to focus on becoming a rightful heir to the blessings of the fathers, your own fathers as well as the Old Testament prophets and patriarchs."
He shared five truths to emphasize his point.
1. Becoming an heir to faith and testimony.
"Sometimes we say that there are great people in this Church," he said. "In a way, this is correct; however, I believe it is more accurate to say that we have ordinary people who consistently do great things. Always do the things that lead you to become an heir to faith and testimony."
2. Becoming an heir to a life of service.
"Accept Church callings and participate in activities, Sabbath classes and institutes of religion," he said. "Lose yourself in the service of others, such as temples, family history centers and community programs."
3. Becoming an heir to moral purity.
"To truly become an heir to moral purity requires us to put on the whole armor of God, which is found in the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel," he said. "To worthily partake of the sacrament each week ensures you are an heir to moral purity and you are on the path to eternal life."
4. Becoming an heir to temporal self-reliance.
"[The Lord's] teachings are to become self-reliant through suitable occupation or self-employment so as to provide for your own and your families' needs. Be skilled, diligent, trustworthy, and give honest work for the pay and benefits you receive," he said. "Pay tithes and offerings and avoid unnecessary debt."
5. Becoming an heir to the Abrahamic covenant.
"Becoming an heir to the Abrahamic covenant in its fullness is marriage for time and eternity," said Elder Jensen. "The adversary opposes marriage and family. He fosters disorganization. ...
"To summarize, our fervent prayer is that you will become rightful heirs to the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, including faith and a testimony of the Father and the Son and this holy work, a lifetime of service, moral purity, spiritual and temporal self-reliance coming from honorable employment and income to meet your needs, and a marriage in the holy temple and children to follow, to whom you will pass on this heritage as rightful heirs to the blessings of the fathers."
