Quoting President Russell M. Nelson, Kevin Utt reminded attendees at the Tuesday morning devotional that “there is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than gathering Israel.”
Utt, director of the BYU Honor Code Office, focused his remarks on how our roles in three separate communities can help us gather Israel: in families, in a religious community and at BYU.
“To gather implies a need to interact with others. We are not on a solo sojourn. Since our first day on this earth, God has organized us into communities, where we learn more about Him and become more like Him. We live and serve in the kingdom of God on earth, which prepares us to further serve when we are no longer limited by the veil.”
Family Community
“The purpose of a family is to create a safe, stable and loving environment where a husband and wife can support and strengthen each other and where children can learn, grow and develop,” Utt said.
Many of the qualities that form a godly society are cultivated in a family setting. These attributes include patience, selflessness and love.
Family relationships provide the perfect opportunity for developing traits, which in turn help individuals effectively gather Israel.
Church Community
“Much of our worship and ritual revolves around our connection with others,” Utt stated. Being part of the Church community goes beyond physical presence; it involves active participation and full immersion in activities.
Utt recounted a personal experience during a challenging period with his family. Initially, he was inclined to retreat into isolation. However, as he began attending Church gatherings and opened up about his struggles to the compassionate members, he discovered a profound sense of solace and understanding.
“I quickly learned that many people had personal experiences that provided perspective and resources. Each person in my family talked about their experience with people they were close to, and the safety net in this community of Saints quickly opened.”
Just as Utt found solace during his time of difficulty, he strives to pay it forward by being a strength and support to other saints. It is impossible to be there for others if one isn’t actively involved in the community.
“We are meant to worship collectively," he taught. "Engage in the community of Saints. Worship, serve, and be social; each of these elements assists in ministering to our own needs and the needs of others.”
BYU Community
Unlike the previously mentioned communities, formal participation in the BYU community is intended for a specific period of intensive learning within a stimulating environment. Utt believes a student's time spent at BYU is intended to help prepare them for a life full of service.
“We then take what we have learned and use it to build up the Kingdom of God as we move forward into the world. There are many communities in this kingdom that need your influence.”
As a student at BYU, it can be easy to compare oneself to other students' successes and attributes. Utt recognized that this approach to education, and life generally, can fill us with anxiety and lead to a “sense that perfection is the only way to win the lottery of life success.”
“In God’s kingdom there is sufficient for all. The Lord does not compare us.”
The essence of a BYU education lies in learning how to gather Israel, declared Utt. It is meant to help foster a sense of belonging and fortify communities students will be a part of throughout their lives. It goes beyond merely preparing for a specific career.
“I invite you to be cautious in creating a single path to success in this life, or a single career possibility, for there are many ways to fulfill God’s intents. Success in your life is not tied to your major or your career.”
Utt testified that each student at BYU has different gifts and talents that can be cultivated to gather Israel and bless God’s children upon the earth. Receiving a higher education at BYU, regardless of the major, will be instrumental in doing so.
“In our Zion community, we engage in this time of intensive learning in our study and development of our whole selves; we encourage others, not compete with others.”
