My dear brothers and sisters, my dear friends. Sister Uchtdorf and I are thrilled to be with you this beautiful evening, on this beautiful campus.
There’s something special about a group of young people like you who look at their calendar on a Sunday evening and say, “Look! There’s a devotional tonight at the Cannon Activities Center! Sure, we already had testimony meeting today, and heard some preaching at church this morning, but let’s go and hear some more!”
Who does that? I will tell you who: people who love Jesus Christ. People who “hunger and thirst after righteousness.”[1] People who want to “live by every word that [comes] from the mouth of God.” [2]
Your optimism and enthusiasm about the Savior and His gospel are contagious. I love you for it.
Stand Close Together, and Lift Where You Stand
The Lord is prompting me to share a story again that happened many years ago. I believe it has a special relevance to you in 2026.
The story takes place in a Church meetinghouse, in Darmstadt, Germany, in our home ward. This building had a beautiful grand piano in the chapel, and it was needed in the cultural hall for a musical event. So, some brethren in the ward were given the task of moving that large, heavy instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall. I see some in the audience, as I look around, who would have been good at that task. None of the brethren in Darmstadt were quite large or strong as some of you are. But they were all we had, and they were willing to try.
Within a few minutes, however, the task of moving the piano even a few feet, let alone into another room, seemed impossible. It became clear that this would take not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly or move it forward. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.
As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, one of them said, “Let’s stand close together and lift where you stand.”
It seemed way too simple. It still does. Nevertheless, they tried. They gathered around the piano, grabbed hold of the piano, and lifted where they stood. As if by a miracle, the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall. The musical event was a success, and no one had to spend the night in the hospital.
I have often thought about this simple idea, “stand close together, and lift where you stand.” I am still impressed by the profound truth in his counsel.
God Has a Mission for the Latter-day Saints
My dear brothers and sisters, you and I also have a piano to move, so to speak. We’re here to build something. Our Savior, our Master, Jesus Christ, has given us, the members of His restored Church, a mighty task—a unique mission, a special work.
Call it building Zion, or establishing the Church, or proclaiming the kingdom of God. We are tasked with preparing the world for His second coming. That’s a big task.
And from the earliest days of the Restoration, people of all age groups, of all walks of life have been attracted to the Savior’s restored Church because they feel the prompting of the Spirit to become part of this great and marvelous work and a wonder. [3]
We know that there are many wonderful religious traditions in the world. There are dedicated, devoted people wherever you go who want to make this world a better place. We share those feelings, and we stand side-by-side with them in worshipping the Creator, the Father of us all.
But it’s important for you and me to understand that the Lord Jesus Christ has assigned a unique mission, a special work, to the members of His restored Church. He has placed His priesthood authority in this Church. He has given us precious truth about eternity and the Father’s plan of happiness. He has trusted us with additional scripture, modern-day prophets and apostles, sacred ordinances, and temple covenants that reach far beyond this life. Indeed, we have much to share with the world.
The Lord has said, “Unto whom much is given, much is required.” [4] And what does the Lord expect us to do with the abundance of spiritual blessings that He has given us?
We are to follow Jesus Christ and become His disciples. We are to reach out in love and bless those in need around us. We are to invite all to come unto Christ and make covenants with Him. We are to gather and unite His people, from “every kindred, nation, and tongue”[5]—and not just those who are living, but those generations who went before and generations still to come! [6]
This means filling the earth with “the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” [7] It means overcoming the “walls of separation” that divide God’s children [8] and becoming “of one heart and one mind,” dwelling together “in righteousness” with “no poor among [us].” [9]
That’s a big task, isn’t it? Almost as large and heavy as, say, a grand piano. But it seems even heavier when we consider the division, contention, poverty, war and rumors of war all over the world.
Jesus Christ Unites our Hearts and Minds
But if you want evidence that it is possible to reach such a status just look around you. This beautiful university stands as a shining example of what our Savior, Jesus Christ, is asking us to do. Here, you gather from various nations and cultures. Here you are learning to overcome this world’s artificial walls of separation. Here you learn how to stand in holy places, even in most challenging times. Every day, you see how the gospel of Jesus Christ unites hearts and minds.
I am inspired by President John S. K. Kauwe’s vision, which he shared in 2024. He said, “BYU–Hawaii brings together countries and cultures in ways that no other university can. Our mission is to be and build people who follow the example of Christ. This … experience prepares students to be lifelong disciples of Christ who can be leaders and examples of intercultural peace.” [10]
This is your time.
You are the Future and the Present
One day, most of you will leave this beautiful place, this island paradise. Most likely, you will return to your home nation to participate in the Savior’s latter-day work there. And one day you will be sealed to a worthy companion in the house of the Lord. Many of you are already. You will “bring up your children in light and truth.” [11] You will accept opportunities to serve in the Church. And you will contribute in meaningful ways in your community, through your professional skills and your devotion to Jesus Christ.
It might be tempting to look ahead to that time in your life and think, “That’s when I will focus on participating in the Lord’s work. Right now, I need to focus on passing my chemistry class.”
Well, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but finding time to dedicate to the cause of Christ will not get easier after your chemistry final or any other step ahead of you.
What will make it easier, however, is learning now how to “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,” no matter what else is going on in your life, and trusting the Lord’s promise that all needful things “shall be added unto you.” [12]
Sometimes I hear people say that the youth and young adults are the future of the Church. In some ways, that’s true. But you are also the present! This is your time!! This is the season to refine your life, to become followers of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.
So much of the life and energy and vitality of God’s kingdom comes from people your age applying their faith and their vigor to the cause of Christ! You are the rising generation, and you have a spiritual momentum that helps propel the gospel work forward. So please don’t ever underestimate—or procrastinate—the good you can do.
Remember that grand piano? It moves because you each lift where you stand—where you are right now, not where you think you’ll be someday.
So yes, study hard for that chemistry exam. Take full advantage of the educational opportunities you have at this wonderful university. But please keep in mind that gaining an education and serving the Lord are not competing interests. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, education is part of our religion. It empowers us to fulfill the unique mission that Jesus Christ has given to the Latter-day Saints. [13]
The people I know who are most successful at balancing all of life’s responsibilities don’t really see it as a balancing act. They don’t see life as a list of a hundred things they have to do. They see it as one thing to do—to love God and to serve God’s children—and then, a hundred joyful and, exciting ways to do it.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not just one of many things you do. No, Jesus Christ is the motivating power behind everything you do. And if there’s something you’re doing that can’t be motivated by His plan, then it’s probably time to stop doing that. Seek guidance from trusted sources, and don’t be distracted by speculation or misinformation that will lead you away from the iron rod. I recommend studying For the Strength of Youth as a very practical guide for making joyful choices, regardless of your age or situation in life.
Trust the Lord, and Put Him First
So trust the Lord. Rejoice in Him. Put Him first in your life. Find the joy in serving Him. Believe that He will guide you. There may be times when you lack confidence in yourself. That happens to all of us. In those moments, put your confidence in Jesus Christ, and you will see your confidence multiply like the loaves and fishes by the Sea of Galilee. [14]
“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.” [15]
Trust that your Savior will lead you to stand, where He wants you to stand. And then, don’t spend too much time worrying about where others are standing. You don’t have to lift the whole piano—just the part in front of you. Stand shoulder to shoulder with your sisters and brothers, and lift joyfully with all your might. Find joy in serving God and your fellowmen. In serving others, you’ll find strength and happiness. You will see miracles happening in your life and in the Savior’s work.
This is your time.
The Lord says, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” [16]
If You Feel Anonymous
There may be times when you think that the place where you’re standing seems ordinary or anonymous, or your efforts are not recognized or appreciated. If so, please hear these words from the Lord, Jesus Christ: “Behold, I have seen your sacrifices.” [17] Your Father in Heaven knows, in ways no one else can, how much you are willing to follow the Savior.
In worldly pursuits, we often measure the value of someone’s work by the amount of public recognition it gets. But in the Lord’s service, we don’t ask for or expect a trumpet to sound whenever we do an act of kindness, or build someone’s faith, or lift their spirits or their burdens. The recognition for such pure, humble faithful service is often private, often spoken by the Holy Ghost quietly to our hearts. We don’t mind if our contribution remains anonymous, because our reward comes from our “Father [who] seeth in secret.” [18]
Consider, for example, Helaman’s army of the 2,000 sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Though they were young and inexperienced, their faith and courage essentially saved the Nephite nation. And yet, we don’t know the name of even one of those 2,000 soldiers. As individuals, they are anonymous. As a group, however, they stood close together and lifted where they stood. And together they accomplished things that none of them could have achieved alone. My dear friends, this is your time.
If You Feel Inadequate
There may be times when you don’t feel strong enough to lift your part of the piano. You might be able to think of many other, more capable people who should be standing where you are. Maybe you’ve been asked to teach a class, or lead a quorum, or minister to someone, and you think to yourself, “This would go so much better if Sister Mahe or Brother Wang had this assignment instead of me.”
Well, maybe it would.
But that isn’t the point.
The point is that the Lord asked you to do it.
He put you here, now. And He did it for a reason. You may not see the reason clearly now, but faith requires that we proceed without seeing.
There may be, connected with this assignment, a person, a heart, that only you can reach. Someone, perhaps, who will respond specifically to the way you say or do things. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way. So don't underestimate your power to influence others for good.
The Lord knows that we aren’t experts at this. He knows that we don’t yet fully grasp what He’s asking us to do. He knows that we will make mistakes.
And He calls us anyway.
So, let’s not get discouraged or frustrated when things don’t go perfectly. When someone disappoints us—or when we disappoint ourselves. When moving the piano is taking a lot longer than we think it should.
Let’s remember these words from our beloved prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, which he shared less than a month ago at BYU in Provo. He said: “We are all a work in progress. We are all at different places on … the covenant path. We need to be patient with one another and, occasionally, even with ourselves.” [19]
My dear brothers and sisters, it’s not really about the piano. Your Heavenly Father is trying to move you. He wants to give you opportunities to stand close together with your sisters and brothers, to become stronger together, and eventually return to Him—holy, united, and purified—as one eternal family. This is your time.
Conclusion and Testimony
My dear friends, I conclude by sharing with you my special witness that Jesus Christ lives. He’s real. He’s there. He is actively leading His Church. He is the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. His Gospel has been restored, and His Gospel and His Church are our best and only hope for peace and joy in this life and in the life to come.
Jesus Christ is your strength. He has invited you to joyfully participate in His great saving work, in preparation for His glorious return. This is your time!! Stand close together and lift where you stand, and nothing can keep this divine work from moving forward and upward. Your own life, your own legacy, your own story will be filled with the strength of Jesus Christ.
You will see miracles in your personal lives and in the lives of the people you love and serve.
I leave you my heartfelt blessing that you will rejoice in Christ and that you will find joy in serving the Lord.
In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Matthew 5:6
[2] Doctrine and Covenants 84:44
[3] 3 Nephi 21:9; Isaiah 29:14
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 82:3
[5] Mosiah 3:13
[6] D. Todd Christofferson, “Preparing for the Lord’s Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 81
[7] Isaiah 11:6,9
[8] Ephesians 2:14
[9] Moses 7:18
[10] John S.K. Kauwe III, “Embrace Your Role as a Peacemaker and Leader” [Brigham Young University–Hawaii commencement address, April 19, 2024], speeches.byuh.edu
[11] Doctrine and Covenants 93:40
[12] Matthew 6:33
[13] Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80
[14] John 6:1-13
[15] Proverbs 3:5-6
[16] Doctrine and Covenants 6:36
[17] Doctrine and Covenants 132:50
[18] Matthew 6:1-4
[19] Dallin H. Oaks, “Coming Close to Jesus Christ,” [Brigham Young University devotional, February 10, 2026], speeches.byu.edu