Elder Steven D. Shumway of the Seventy spoke at a BYU devotional today in testifying of God and His plan. His wife, Sister Heidi Shumway, also testified of God's plan.
Elder Shumway began his remarks with praise for President and Sister Reese. He commented on their approachability, powerful testimonies of Christ and their willingness to bring students to Him.
"Leadership in God’s kingdom is never about being seen, but about helping others see the Savior."
He shared an experience from when President Dallin H. Oaks called him to be a mission leader. The Shumways’ youngest daughter would be a senior the year they were called to leave, and though they had the choice to delay until the next cycle, they felt as though they needed to leave right away.
President Oaks took time out of his busy schedule to meet with their whole family, spending time comforting and advising their daughter following their decision.
Elder Shumway marveled at how someone so busy could have time for them and realized from that meeting that when someone is close to the Savior, like President Oaks, they will make an effort to simplify their life to ensure that things of eternity have priority.
To illustrate this concept, Elder Shumway summarized the allegory of the olive tree. He compared the tree to people’s lives, the branches to their responsibilities and pursuits, and the roots to their covenant relationship with Christ.
Elder Shumway acknowledged that it can be easy to get “top-heavy,” the things of life overwhelming time with the Savior. To combat this, Elder Shumway prescribes three things:
Both “pruning” and “grafting in” are necessary to help simplify.
“In our lives, we become more productive when we intentionally prune away or sacrifice the unnecessary or distracting branches and then we cultivate the abundant life as we ‘graft in’ or consecrate that time toward nobler pursuits,” stated Elder Shumway.
Even good branches can become problematic if they “take strength unto themselves.”
Elder Shumway explained that when seemingly good things lose their connection to the gospel and the Savior, they can take up space that should be used otherwise. He shared words from Elder Neal A. Maxwell, reminding listeners to think about what will matter in eternity and focus on growing those branches.
Decisions rooted in our covenant relationship with God lead to a life of simplicity.
Elder Shumway taught that, “when our covenant relationship with God and Jesus Christ is the prevailing foundation from which decisions are made, God changes our natures.”
"[Christ] is the strength of our roots, and the One who brings order, peace, and meaning out of complexity."
To receive support throughout this process of growing and pruning, Elder Shumway suggested adopting the practice of intentional prayer and patiently waiting on the Lord. He promised that clarity and guidance will come in time.
Elder Shumway closed with his testimony of the Savior and His gifts of strength, peace and deliverance.
