Brothers and Sisters, Aloha!
It is a privilege to speak to you on this significant day as we come together to celebrate our graduates and all they've accomplished. Mahalo nui loa to the family, friends, faculty, and special guests who are here today—your support and encouragement have played a key role in each student’s life. This day is not just about their hard work but about the community that’s been there for them through every step of the journey.
Graduates, as you leave this campus and step into the future, I invite you to reflect on three principles that will guide your path to a joyful future: purpose, consecration, and excellence.
Purpose
Let’s begin with purpose. God’s purpose for each of us is clear: “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” [1] Through His plan of happiness, He offers us mercy, joy, and hope through His Son, Jesus Christ.
President Russell M. Nelson has said that understanding this plan “takes the mystery out of life and the uncertainty out of our future. It allows each of us to choose how we will live here on earth and where we will live forever.” [2]
Your purpose at BYU–Hawaii has been to prepare yourselves to be covenant-keeping disciples of Christ and leaders in your families, communities, and chosen fields in Asia and the Pacific. You have learned not only to deepen your knowledge but also to align your lives with divine direction. It’s easy to get distracted by the demands and pressures of life. Don’t let that happen. Keep yourself centered on Jesus Christ and your covenants. Let that purpose guide your actions as you continue your journey.
Consecration
Next, consecration. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught that “ultimate consecration is the yielding up of oneself to God.” [3] This is not a principle of the past or the future—it is something we practice now. President Nelson reminds us that, as we live the higher laws of Christ, our hearts and natures change, bringing true happiness. [4]
Living a consecrated life means different things to each of us based on our circumstances. It requires personal revelation. Consecrating your life may mean following promptings to return to a country or community with less economic opportunity. This may be difficult, but you will go because the Lord told you He needs you there. You will bless others and be blessed more than you can imagine.
Or, consecration could mean following a prompting to have children, even when times feel uncertain. I know that as we follow the Lord in consecrating our lives he blesses and strengthens us.
Elder Todd D. Christofferson taught, “True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes. In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny.” [5]
Excellence
Finally, excellence. In the parable of the talents, the Lord commended those who worked diligently with what they were given. To them, He said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” [6]
Excellence is not about being perfect; it is about striving, improving, and trusting the Lord with your efforts. It’s about giving your best, even when things don’t go as planned. You may face moments of fear and doubt, but President Nelson promises that living the gospel will bring “freedom from fear.” [7] He declared, “You will have the strength to have a positive influence far beyond your natural capacity. And I promise that your future will be more exhilarating than anything you can presently believe.” [8]
Conclusion
Graduates, your time here at BYU–Hawaii has not just been a time of academic learning, but a time of spiritual and personal growth. You are now equipped to live a life of purpose, to consecrate your time and efforts to God, and to pursue excellence in all things. You are ready to lead, to serve, and to build God’s kingdom where the Lord needs you.
I testify that as you honor your covenants, the Lord will bless and guide you. Your Savior, Jesus Christ, and your Heavenly Father love you and believe in your potential. Remember, you cannot exhaust the mercy of your Heavenly Father. You are never alone. Trust in Him, and all will be well.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Moses 1:39
[2] Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2023, 117.
[3] Neal A. Maxwell, “Consecrate Thy Performance,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2002, 36.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2022, 97.
[5] D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2010, 16.
[6] Matthew 25:12
[7] Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2022, 100.
[8] Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity,” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022], Gospel Library.