Brothers and Sisters, Aloha!
I'm so grateful to be able to speak to you today. Before coming to earth, we lived as spirit children with heavenly parents. Heavenly Father presented the plan of salvation, offering eternal life. Those who are on earth chose to follow God’s plan and receive physical bodies. While we experience joy in this life, we also have challenges that help us grow. Jesus Christ’s Atonement overcame sin and death, allowing us to repent and return to God. Since "no unclean thing can dwell with God," [1] we must accept His sacrifice and strive for righteousness to live with him again. Agency is the key—we must choose the path of eternal life.
“Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life”. [2]
At our baptism, we made a sacred covenant with God to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him. In return, Heavenly Father promises us a remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Each time we partake of the sacrament, we renew our covenant, recommit to follow Him, and strive to live His gospel.
Living the gospel of Jesus Christ means making it an integral part of our daily lives. At BYU–Hawaii, you are surrounded by an environment that encourages gospel-centered living, such as praying before class, engaging in gospel discussions, going to the temple, attending church, and taking the sacrament weekly. However, while our environment can inspire faith, personal spiritual growth ultimately depends on our own choices and efforts. Beyond the structure of campus life, we must intentionally seek God daily. There’s no separation between your academic pursuits and your faith.
Personal spiritual growth requires intentional effort. Take time to pray, study the gospel by reading the scriptures and words of modern prophets, and serve others. Recognize your progress and trust in God’s plan. As President Nelson said, "the Lord loves effort!"[3] Focus on loving others, nurturing relationships, and strengthening your desire for marriage and family through dating. If you are married, continue to love and care for your spouse. If you have children, teach them the gospel in your home.
Many of us have seen first-hand how living in a gospel-centered environment strengthens our faith. Here is what a few students have shared with me:
“Going to BYU–Hawaii has helped me to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are encouraged at this school to not just gain knowledge but gain knowledge for the purpose of serving others and coming closer to Christ.”
“Being a student at BYU–Hawaii has helped to remind me of how to refocus all I do in my life on Jesus Christ. Christ and His gospel really can be honored anywhere, anytime, if we make the effort to do so.”
“BYU–Hawaii has helped me live the gospel of Jesus Christ by being surrounded by students and faculty who are striving to become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Their example is contagious, and it helps me grow closer to my Savior.”
“Going to BYU–Hawaii has helped me live the gospel of Jesus Christ because Jesus Christ can be found and felt all around campus. He is in the classroom, He is in the spirit and the sacredness of the campus, He is openly talked about among students and faculty. Just being able to feel His spirit/influence constantly has helped me be better at praying, reading scriptures, ministering to the one, keeping my covenants, and attending the temple.”
BYU–Hawaii provides each of us with special opportunities to learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will receive strength and courage as we rely on the enabling power of the Atonement to overcome any challenge we may have in life. A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. After assessing the situation, the farmer decided the mule wasn’t worth saving. He called neighbors to bury the mule in the well. Initially, the mule panicked, but as dirt piled on him, he realized that shaking it off and stepping up would help him survive. With each blow, he kept shaking it off and stepping up, despite the pain. Eventually, the mule stepped triumphantly out of the well. What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him, all because of how he handled adversity.
Like the mule, we can let adversity bury us or use it to grow. Through Christ, we can face challenges. He is there to lift us, guide us, and strengthen us as we shake it off and step up. We need to have courage to face our challenges because through them, God can teach us valuable lessons. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ is not just about knowing the truth but acting on it. Remember that "through the strength of Christ, we can do all things". [4]
I want to share a personal experience that taught me these lessons in a powerful way. When I graduated from high school, I had a clear goal of becoming a registered nurse. However, due to personal financial constraints, I had to attend school part-time while working full-time. I secured a job as a certified nurse’s assistant at a nearby hospital, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, after a few years, I began to doubt my desire to pursue a nursing career.
During this time, I met Keoni, and we decided to get married. Keoni was planning to start his Ph.D. program after our wedding, and I knew I would need to transfer schools due to the move. After relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, I enrolled in classes at the local community college. Unfortunately, not all of my classes transferred.
In my first semester, I took a chemistry class that interested me. I discovered that the college offered a chemical technology program, and through prayer, I felt impressed to pursue it. After many years of pursuing higher education, I finally earned an associate degree in a field I genuinely enjoyed.
This experience taught me valuable lessons, introduced me to many wonderful people, and provided me with numerous positive experiences. While I was at times discouraged, I didn’t take the most efficient path to obtaining my degree, it was my journey, and I gained confidence through the challenges I faced, and the changes required along the way. Looking back, I can see how the Lord shaped my path in ways I did not expect to teach me the lessons I needed for the future. Even when things didn’t go according to my plan, He had a better path in store for me.
In his April 2017 general conference address, President Nelson said, “When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do.” [5] As we trust in God’s plan, live the gospel daily, and overcome challenges with faith in Christ, we will find strength, direction, and eternal joy.
Remember, “This life is the time… to prepare to meet God”. [6] By following His teachings and making progress step by step, you’re preparing for eternal life. Heavenly Father will provide you with personal experiences to help you learn and grow in your own unique way. He knows you individually and loves you unconditionally. Trust in Him, have the courage to follow His will, and trust in your own abilities. Be okay with making mistakes; they are an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
I invite you to reflect on how you can more fully trust in God’s plan. Is there a challenge you can approach with greater faith? Is there a habit you can improve to strengthen your relationship with Christ? As you take even small steps forward, He will magnify your efforts.
In the words of President Jeffrey R. Holland, “Face your doubts. Master your fears. ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence.’ Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.” [7]
Brothers and sisters, I love you! I know that God lives, and we are His children. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for each one of us. I’m grateful for His Resurrection and what it means for us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
NOTES:
[1] 1 Nephi 10:21
[2] 2 Nephi 10:23
[3] “The Lord Loves Effort | General Conference April 2020” Old Third Hour, YouTube [Video], April 4, 2020
[4] Philippians 4:13
[5] Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2017, 42
[6] Alma 34:32
[7] Jeffrey R. Holland, “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence” [Brigham Young University devotional, March 2, 1999], speeches.byu.edu