Trevor Wilson, a senior associate athletic director, delivered a devotional on BYU campus today. He shared his gratitude for Easter, General Conference and the chance to give a devotional during this time.
His main message was directed to students and how they can make their BYU experience transformative, not transactional.
He began by defining a transformative experience as something that “fundamentally makes us different,” contrasting with a transactional experience, or something that “lacks depth or emotional involvement.” A combination of small transactional moments can lead to a transformative one.
As he reflected on countless transformative events during his career, Wilson pointed out that “[BYU] Athletics is an exciting way to share our mission to the world.”
Wilson attributed some of these missionary moments to Kalani Sitake, the head BYU Football Coach and a humble follower of Christ. Wilson recounted a particular instance where Sitake was able to defuse an angry rival crowd by inviting them to take selfies with him: a simple act that was an example to everyone who witnessed it.
Wilson also expounded on the story of the former BYU basketball player, Fousseyni Traore. Originally a Muslim basketball player from Mali, he chose BYU through prayer and faith. Some time later, with help from supportive peers, he was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His journey is an example to many as he continues his basketball career in France.
In addition to these, Wilson talked about scriptural examples of change. Joseph Smith did not simply read James 1:5, he pondered AND acted upon it. Just a seemingly inconsequential scripture led to one of the most transformative experiences ever: the Restoration of the gospel.
In the Book of Mormon, Laman and Lemuel remained in their negative mindset, focused on their poor circumstances. In contrast, Nephi trusted in Christ and was transformed in the process.
An integral part of the BYU experience is to learn “by study and also by faith,” as written in D&C 118. “Your capacity to learn at BYU is enhanced when you bind yourself to Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ,” stated Wilson. “The stronger you bind yourself to Them, the deeper your experience at BYU becomes.”
He prescribed five ways to make the BYU experience more transformative:
- “Give Jesus Christ your full devotion” by attending sacrament service and other church meetings.
- “Make reading, studying and pondering the Book of Mormon a daily priority.”
- “Lift where you stand,” specifically by worshipping in your assigned ward.
- “Embrace the commitments you have made as a student at BYU.”
- “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” as prescribed in Matthew 6:33.
Wilson shared that his life, from being newly married at BYU-Hawaii to his career at BYU now, has been transformed through his testimony of Jesus Christ. He testified of God’s plan and His desire to have His children to return to Him.
“You are at BYU for a purpose and by divine design,” reminded Wilson. He admonished students to “invite Jesus Christ to make the miracle of BYU a transformative experience.”
