Elder Allan F. Packer of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered the Devotional address Tuesday in the Marriott Center. Packer shared several lessons he has learned that can help us navigate our way through life.
Set Your Destination, Prepare and Act On Your Plan
"After graduating from BYU... I was soon called as an assistant scout master in our ward. One year we spent the summer taking hikes, including a fifty miler around Mount Rainier. The early hikes prepared us physically and helped us develop the skills needed for the ultimate hike. We learned how to use maps and the compass and set checkpoints along the trail to find where we were and how to get to where we wanted to go.
"Our journey of life is like those hikes. We each choose our own destination and path. However, after the judgment at the end of this life we will be assigned a place to live and things to do based on our decisions and actions here. Wisely choose the best path as described by the Plan of Salvation. Map your course by learning as much as you can, setting your checkpoints, and following your plan."
You Have a Royal Heritage
"We were sent away from a royal court without memory of who we are or what our final role and responsibility will be. Each of you are of royal birth and heritage. You are a son or daughter of your Heavenly Parents.
"Just as your life to this point is preparing you for the rest of your life, your time on earth is to prepare you for what you will be doing for eternity.
"While everyone can qualify, each must earn it individually. There is no entitlement or option to delegate this to someone else. No one else can do it for you, not even the Church. It is hard work but worth it."
Making Decisions
"Some people delay making important decisions waiting for perfect conditions. It could be waiting to find the 'perfect' companion, waiting until the outcome is guaranteed or until jobs or income are secure. Some are afraid of making a mistake. The greatest mistake may be failing to act.
"Most important relationships or achievements do not come ready made off the shelf. You must pay the price to achieve the outcome you desire."
The Scriptures, the Brethren and the Holy Ghost are the maps, guides and compass
"The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the 'The Plan' are found in the scriptures, the words of the living prophets and through the Holy Ghost. These are the reliable maps, guides and compass we need for life's journey. Our regular and continuous study of the scriptures and words of the living prophets will lead to confidence and trust in the Lord's Plan. The Holy Ghost will help us develop a testimony. Continued study, prayer and experience will expand our knowledge and understanding of the principles and deepen our conversion."
Connect the Dots-Keep things in Context
"Individual principles cannot be fully understood without being placed in the gospel context. That would be like trying to see a picture with only one dot. For example, some people have contended that Jesus Christ?s teaching of love is inconsistent with His teaching to keep the commandments. But when considered in the full gospel context of qualifying for exaltation, God's insistence on keeping the commandments actually shows a greater love for His children.
"Principles must be considered in the context of the full gospel."
If you missed Packer's address, you can watch it on BYUtv.org.
Next Week's Devotional: Scott Esplin, BYU Church History and Doctrine
The next BYU Devotional address will be held on Tuesday, January 12, at 11:05 a.m., in the Marriott Center.
Scott Esplin, BYU Church History and Doctrine, will give the Devotional address.
His remarks will be broadcast live on BYUtv, BYUtv.org, KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM, BYU Radio.
