In his devotional at BYU on Tuesday, Elder Alexander Dushku invited students to make the firm decision to choose Christ over the world.
As students face many opportunities and challenges, Elder Dushku taught that the path they take depends on what they choose to base their lives on.
Choose Christ
Elder Dushku, a General Authority Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began by explaining the meaning behind the phrase “crossing the Rubicon.” In ancient Rome, it was forbidden for generals to cross the Rubicon River into Italy without authorization from the Roman Senate.
Despite the law, Julius Caesar, along with his legion, crossed the river, knowing that there was no turning back from that choice. In the end, Julius Caesar and his army prevailed, and he became the ruler of Rome.
Although Elder Dushku clarified that Julius Caesar wasn’t an example of righteousness, his story illustrates the importance of making a steadfast decision to Jesus Christ.
“Now is the time to cross the Rubicon of faith and never look back,” Elder Dushku said. “Now is the time to decide to be all in for the Lord.”
Why Choose Christ
“Why choose Christ? Because He lives. Because He is real! He is the most real thing in this world,” Elder Dushku exclaimed.
Elder Dushku taught that learning more about who Jesus Christ is and what He can do will help students understand why they should choose Him over the world.
He described Jesus Christ as more than a wise, kind and caring individual but as the “Living Jesus Christ — the Full Christ, the Christ of the Restoration,” who knows and deeply loves each of His disciples.
Through Christ’s Atonement, He wants to transform the lives of those who receive Him, thereby bringing them closer to Heavenly Father.
Christ, however, won’t force that relationship or transformation. Elder Dushku emphasized that disciples have to willingly open their hearts to Christ and allow Him to transform them beyond what they could become on their own.
“Jesus Christ is the gift,” Elder Dushku said. “Everything depends on our receiving him. But the choice is ours.”
What Choosing Christ Means
Elder Dushku quoted from the book of Joshua and taught that, as the Israelites had to choose whom they would serve, students will have to make the same choice in a world of distractions and temptations.
He taught that choosing Christ means following Him and keeping His commandments and covenants. Rather than viewing them as rules to follow, Elder Dushku described them as ways to show “love and loyalty” to Christ.
When temptations arise, Elder Dushku encouraged students to remember that their choices reflect what they care about and love most. Through these choices, students can continue to choose Him over worldly influences.
“Choose Christ, because He loved you first and because you love Him most,” Elder Dushku said.
How to Choose Christ
Elder Dushku concluded his message by encouraging students to strengthen their faith in Christ through deep study and prayer. He also invited them to repent when they fall short, to serve one another and to remain faithful to the promises made with Him.
With these actions centered on Christ, they can receive Him and allow Him to transform their lives.
In his closing statement, Elder Dushku invited students “to choose Christ — over everything.”
