One of the hardest things, I think, is following beautiful music like that, and then you have to speak, so I want to thank them for that beautiful hymn that they just played for us.
President and Sister Kauwe, brothers and sisters, faculty, and staff of BYU–Hawaii, Aloha! I am grateful to be with you today!
We come from many different backgrounds, yet we are united by our shared pursuit of knowledge and faith.
I am so grateful for my loving wife of almost 30 years and mother to our four beautiful children, who is here with me today. We were sealed, what feels like yesterday, right next door at the Laie Hawaii Temple for time and all eternity. I hope that the message I share with you today will be one you can ponder on while studying here at this amazing university and building your personal legacy.
The word 'legacy' often brings to mind worldly achievements—fortunes, fame, or great works. But today, I want to speak of a different kind of legacy: one that is eternal and rooted in our discipleship of Jesus Christ. When asked, an AI language model defines legacy as “creating a lasting impact and leaving behind something enduring that reflects your values, actions, and beliefs, which can benefit future generations or inspire us forever.” [1] This is the kind of legacy we build as disciples of Christ—a legacy that is not measured in years, but in eternities.
Creating a Personal Legacy: Following Christ with Exactness
My whole life has been on a ranch. I grew up on the ranch, and I still live on the very same one in Waimea on the Big Island. It has been in my family now for four generations! If there is anything to know about ranching, it is that it takes a lot of hard work, and you really have to love it. It is most definitely not your normal nine-to-five job. There have been numerous times I would have to wake up to a phone call in the middle of the night that some of our cows were on the main road and we needed to bring them back to our property! All through my life I have been, and still am, amazed to watch the cows in the pastures—by how they care for their young, how they notice one another, and how they choose to stay together as a herd.
Ranching and the gospel of Jesus Christ, in my view, are similar because each offers a path to be followed. On the ranch, this path is called a cow trail! The cows like to walk along the sides of steep hills and mounds, creating these cow trails with the right amount of pace and weight into their walk. These trails are created by experienced, tame, and well-seasoned cattle along the slopes of hills. This creates a much easier route to water or different grazing areas. This also makes walking long distances on steep terrain a smoother process. Now, not any kind of cow creates these trails. The almost yearling sometimes chooses the more difficult routes, making paths wherever they choose. The baby calves will most likely follow the direct footsteps of their mother along the trail. And a dependable cow can make the perfect grade that other cows can follow on towards the greener grass and water. Today I am here to discuss with you, young people, about the trails you may take to build your own legacy.
The Call to a Greater Legacy: From Fishers of Fish to Fishers of Men
One of the greatest legacies in the New Testament is about Simon Peter. It is such a powerful example that illustrates how the Lord can redirect our path and expand our vision of what our legacy can be. After the Savior’s Resurrection, some of the apostles returned to their former occupation, which was fishing. Simon Peter told the others that he was going fishing, and they responded that they would go with him too. Now they had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Can we imagine how they must have been feeling? Then, the Resurrected Jesus appeared on the shore and directed them where to cast their nets. As they recognized the Lord, they promptly obeyed His directions and caught a great multitude of fish. With this experience, the understanding of their calling was transformed. [2] Jesus showed the apostles that He was the master of their trade, and had revealed that He had a far greater purpose for them.
Earlier in the Savior’s ministry, Jesus said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' [3]
The apostles had thought their legacy was to be skilled fishermen, but the Lord revealed their true legacy was to bring souls to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This pattern is reflected in our own lives. Do we sometimes feel that way?
Maybe some of us are here praying about serving a full-time mission or searching for an eternal companion that could possibly take you to the house of the Lord? You’ve been on a few dates, but it wasn’t what you expected, so rather than continuing dating, you decide to focus on you and work on your mental health or your studies more or your physical health. Not all the paths the Savior gives us are simple. He wants us to try and work at it so that we can continue to learn and to grow, always progressing.
When I think of progressing, I think about each and every one of you here at this beautiful university. No matter what reason brought you here, you made it and you are working and growing to better yourself! Consider the legacy of missionaries who have shared the gospel, teachers who have inspired students, and parents who have nurtured children in righteousness. These are the legacies that truly endure. I encourage you to ask yourself, “What is one step I can take to better reflect the Savior's love in my life?” and ponder on those feelings as you prepare to serve a mission or enter the house of the Lord or change the major you are studying or even just deciding if today looks like a nice day to surf. “How can I be an example of Christ wherever I go?”
Living the Legacy: Actions That Echo Through Eternity
A legacy I am grateful for has been left to me by my grandma, Martha Nakanelua-Loo. She lived her faith with steady devotion to the Lord. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her whole life, and while my grandpa was not a member for many years, her commitment never wavered. They had 16 children, six girls and 10 boys, and my grandpa would often take his older sons on outings — to fish, farm, hunt, or camp. But Grandma Martha was firm and kept the faith saying, “You may take our sons wherever you want, but once a week, I will take them with me to partake of the sacrament.” She faithfully attended Sunday services with her family. Her covenant path was one of quiet, consistent faith.
Grandma Martha put the gospel first in her home. Eventually, the members of the Church learned that my grandpa was a jack of all trades and asked for his help in building a chapel in Kukuihaele on the Big Island. He agreed, and through the experience of working alongside faithful members and learning more about the Church, he grew in understanding and friendship. This act of service, combined with the consistent example of his wife, eventually led to a profound change of heart. One day, he came home and announced to his family, “I will be getting baptized tomorrow.” My grandma's patient, persistent faith became a cornerstone of our family’s legacy. And her faith became a path for others to follow.
Our doctrines are the blueprint for how we live. Our legacy is built through the everyday actions that reflect our commitment to these truths. It is in these actions, guided by our encounters with the Savior, that we leave a lasting legacy for those who may be searching to build or rebuild their testimony in Christ. The Savior taught us the two great commandments: to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. [4] Love is mentioned many times in the scriptures. This is not a coincidence. This love, expressed through selfless service, is a hallmark of a legacy. 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have loved one to another.' [5] We build a lasting legacy as we reach out to those in need, lift them up when they are down, and extend a helping hand to all. Our greatest legacy is not what we leave behind in terms of material possessions or worldly things, but what we help others become. It is the positive influence we have on their lives, helping them to come closer to Christ and fulfill their divine potential. It is in their transformed lives that we see our most lasting love.
The Enduring Impact: Our Eternal Imprint
The legacy of a disciple of Christ is not confined to this life; it extends into eternity. It is a legacy of spiritual growth, of transformed lives, and getting to be with our Heavenly Father again. In October 2021 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson said, “We set our own priorities and determine how we use our energy, time, and means. We decide how we will treat each other. We choose those to whom we will turn for truth and guidance.” [6] The Holy Ghost plays an important role in guiding and strengthening us as we strive to build this legacy. The Holy Ghost helps us to testify of the Savior, prompts us to do good, and sanctifies our efforts. Let the Book of Mormon guide you and as you study your scriptures, let it guide you to a closer connection with your Father in Heaven. 2 Timothy 4:7 reads, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” [7] Always keep in mind what is your purpose?
Intentional Discipleship: Leaving Your Mark on the World
Brothers and sisters, building a Christ-centered legacy is not something that happens by chance. It requires constant effort, good choices, and a lifelong commitment to follow the Savior. It requires us to be mindful of the things we say and do and to be willing to adjust as the Lord directs. It is a journey of continuous learning and growth. We will make mistakes, but we can repent, learn from them, and keep moving forward with faith, always striving to make our legacy a reflection of the Savior. And as we do, we must remember to stay willing, as our paths may change. Remember that even the smallest acts of kindness, service, and faithfulness contribute to our eternal legacy. It is the consistent, daily choices that shape who we become and the influence we have on others. These small acts create the unique and everlasting legacy of our discipleship, that is guided by the Lord.
In Jesus's parable of the prodigal son, a father had two sons. The younger demanded his inheritance, left home, and spent it all in reckless living. A famine left him feeding pigs and realizing his father's servants were better off than he was. He decided to return home, planning to confess his sin and ask to be a servant, feeling unworthy to be called a son.
While the son was still far away, his father saw him. Moved with compassion, the father ran, embraced, and kissed him. Before the son could finish his apology, the father ordered the best robe, a ring, and sandals to restore his status, and commanded a celebration, with a feast of the fattest calf. He declared, "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found…."[8]
The older son, who had worked faithfully, became angry upon hearing the celebration. He complained to his father about it being unfair compared to his own loyalty. The father told the older son why they were rejoicing: “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” [9]
We are given a path that is called the covenant path. This is the path that we strive to follow each day of our life. Satan may sometimes distract us and tempt us to leave that path. But like the prodigal son who returned to his father when he realized that the path he took wasn’t the path he needed to be on, was welcomed with open arms and a fatted calf, we too may receive blessings by returning to and choosing to follow the Lord’s plan for us. We are able to know that all things have a purpose and that this is where we need to be in this time and season because of the Lord’s individual love for each of us. It is important to note that although we may sometimes feel that we are at our lowest just as the prodigal son, our Father in Heaven is with us no matter what the struggles may be in life. Know this in your heart: if you are willing to walk in His path, He will shower you with the greatest blessings.
As we go and do what the Lord commands us, we don’t always see why He is asking us to do these things which are sometimes more difficult than they sound. And it isn't always as easy as saying it rather than doing it. There is hard work, prayer, and most of all faith in knowing that the Lord will direct us on the right path.
Conclusion:
As I prepared for my message today, I reflected on my life when I was about the same age as most of you. I was raised by my mother, who instilled in me a foundation of faith by encouraging me to attend primary, seminary, and other Church activities. But like the young yearling cows, I found myself trying to make a path of my own that was different from others. I can now recognize that because of the profound impact she had on my life, my legacy was going to be different than I had imagined— it would be even better. Surrounding myself with Christlike friends, ministering and being ministered to, was the Lord guiding me on the right path. I invite you to consider, “What path am I leading to build my legacy? Am I following the Lord’s direction in the ‘legacy’ he wants me to follow?” A scripture that comes to mind when I think of this is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, and it reads, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”[10] How grateful we can be to have a Savior who has loved us enough that He will help us onto the right path no matter how many times we may think we’ve strayed.
Like the yearlings on the cow trails, though at times may stray, they can always choose to come back and be the example to the others that follow them. Our legacy as disciples of Jesus Christ began in the premortal existence with our choice to follow Him. That is because it is built upon the foundation of His gospel, the power of His resurrection, and our witness of Him, and our willingness to follow His will, as demonstrated by the first disciples and in our own lives. We see this in the lives of countless individuals, like the Apostle Peter, the prodigal son, and myself, a rancher in a small town on the Big Island, whose unwavering faith and dedication, and willingness to change direction, created a legacy of devotion and love that continues to bless generations. It is a legacy of love, service, devotion, and witness that reflects the Savior's own example.
My grandma's story is a testament to this enduring impact. Her faithfulness not only changed the course of my grandpa's life but has also blessed generations of our family who have followed in her footsteps. Because of her diligence in encouraging her family to do what is right, her legacy of faith has created four generations of members of this Church and continues to shape who we are today. I am deeply grateful for her example and for her faith she passed on that continues to guide our family. The Lord saw a legacy for us that is far greater than my grandma and grandpa could see for themselves. Though at times it may be altered as we yield to His will, the path He sets before us will lead to a more glorious and eternal legacy.
I bear witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Redeemer, and the perfect example of how to live a legacy of love, service, and witness. As we strive to follow Him and remember that our legacy began with the choice to follow Him from the beginning, and as we allow Him to direct our path, we can leave a lasting impact on the world and inherit the blessings of eternal life. May our 'legacy’ lead others to Him, and may we be willing to let the Lord guide our steps."
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Google, Gemini (Google, 2024), https://gemini.google.com/
[2] John 21:1-8
[3] Matthew 4:19
[4] John 13:35
[5] Matthew 22:37-40
[6] Russell M. Nelson, “Make Time for the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2021, 120
[7] 2 Timothy 4:7
[8] Luke 15:24
[9] Luke 15:32
[10] Proverbs 3:5-6