BYU-Hawaii Commencement: Visions past, present and future
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LAIE, HAWAII
Prophetic visions of the past, present and future are a gift from Heavenly Father to guide His faithful children, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve said during commencement services at Brigham Young University-Hawaii on April 9.
"You are beneficiaries of prophetic visions of the past," Elder Nelson said. "The Restoration of the gospel was initiated and authenticated by visions and visitations from heavenly messengers."
Elder Nelson spoke of the vision President David O. McKay had about international school children participating in a flag ceremony, 34 years previous to the foundation of the Church College of Hawaii in 1955 — what is now BYU-Hawaii.
"Today I stand on this ground made sacred by the prophets and apostles who have labored here through these many intervening years," he said. "I see bright and able young men and women from more than 70 countries, representing a host of diverse languages and cultures."
Elder Nelson spoke of the importance of a foundation of lifetime learning made while studying at BYU-Hawaii.
"You have prepared yourself with secular knowledge that will better enable you to render service of worth to your fellow human beings," he said. "You have prepared yourself with spiritual knowledge ... prepared to be leaders in your homelands and elsewhere. You have been taught to learn, to lead and to build. You know how to integrate the unchanging truths of the gospel into the challenges of an ever changing society."
With the blessings of prophetic visions of the past and present, individuals are more prepared for the future, Elder Nelson said.
"You enter a world caught in a steep slippery slide of diminishing moral values," Elder Nelson observed. "Against that backdrop, your character and integrity will make you stand out and shine like a lighthouse. If you are true and faithful, you will stand out in stark contrast to the surrounding masses mired in mediocrity. You will be anchored to eternal truth. You, your families, and your homes will become beacons of hope in a darkened world. You will be seen as citadels of stability wherever you live. Your faith and optimism will make you leaders in your communities, in your countries, and in the kingdom of God on earth. ...
"You will be examples to all with whom you associate — examples of forbearance, of integrity, of controlling your tempters, appetites and emotions, as you honor the priesthood and your sacred covenants. You will cherish your righteous and youthful years."
It is through placing a high priority on the two great commandments of loving God and loving one's neighbor as themselves that individuals will continue to learn and build an ever-increasing capacity to serve others, Elder Nelson said.
"As you adhere to the standards of the Church, you will be in great demand. And you will find true joy in total obedience to God's laws. While some others choose which commandments they will keep, you know the fallacy and danger of that approach. It will only lead to misery. You will gain protection and spiritual strength in complete obedience."
Obedience leads to joy and safety, both physically and spiritually, Elder Nelson said.
"Obedience to all of God's commandments will allow the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion. Obedience to your baptismal covenants, renewed weekly as you partake of the sacrament, will allow the Spirit of the Lord to be with you. Such obedience will prepare you to be great leaders, great wives and husbands, great mothers and fathers. Such obedience will allow you to become more like the Lord."
It is through following the prophetic visions and warnings that individuals will be able to withstand the tools of the adversary for a bright future.
"Prophetic visions of the past, of the present and the future come to you as a gift, to guide you to all that our loving Father in Heaven has in store for His faithful children," Elder Nelson said. "The Lord's vision for you as His elect children requires that you be clean, virtuous and qualified for eternal life."
