Darron Billeter, an associate professor of marketing in the Marriott School of Business delivered Tuesday’s devotional address, focusing on prioritizing learning––particularly learning of Jesus Christ.
“The Lord has given us guidance concerning how to focus our learning. He taught, ‘learn of me,’” Billeter explained.
While on a study abroad in Jerusalem, Billeter was visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, when he was approached by a gardener, inviting him to follow him. The gardner led him to a private, gated area of the Garden where he could have a personal, intimate moment in prayer. He pondered on the events that took place there and the atoning sacrifice of his Savior.
“I think the Savior wants each one of us to metaphorically spend time in the garden, learning how the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to us personally,” Billeter said. “The gate that leads to his strength, his healing, his love and his guidance is wide open to us if we choose to learn of Him.”
Billeter taught three ways to access divine strength through learning of Jesus Christ. They are listening to His words, developing meekness and serving.
Listening to His words
A few years ago, Billeter’s stake center was set on fire by an arsonist. Billeter was shaken up, especially because he spent so much time in the building. He wondered if they would ever find the person responsible. However, his heart was softened when the scripture Matthew 5:44 came to his mind.
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
The Savior’s words led him to sincerely desire the healing and well-being of whoever was responsible for the fire. He invited others to pray with him so that everyone involved would find peace.
“How can Christ’s words bring solutions to your life right now?” Billeter asked. “How might they prompt you to think about a difficult situation or a strained relationship in a new way?”
Developing Meekness
“An essential part of learning about the Savior is our willingness to cultivate a soft heart and a desire to change,” Billeter taught.
Learning is not usually a linear process. Billeter experienced this firsthand when he was performing poorly in a class even though he was stretching his limits and putting in intense effort. Through the words of a priesthood blessing, he was encouraged to develop Christlike meekness and be grateful for the difficult feedback that was helping him to learn and progress. The next day he thanked his professor for the feedback, even though it was disheartening. This changed his professor’s attitude, as well as his own which later led to greater learning and progression in that class and in life.
Serving
The Savior was the ultimate example of serving others. If we are to learn about Him, we must learn to serve as He did. Service includes looking outside of yourself for the needs of family, friends, strangers or serving in the house of the Lord.
I hope you will respond to the invitation to minister to one another, magnify your calling, serve in the temple, actively participate in your ward and serve during your time at BYU and throughout your life,” Billeter expressed. “I promise that it will help you learn more about the Savior and the unique gifts He has given you to bless others.”
In the end, Billeter expressed “I invite you to make time to learn about the Savior and ponder His Atonement for you. This can open your heart to learn more about the perfect love He feels for you. As you persistently make learning of Him a priority in your daily life, you will be incredibly blessed.”
