Devotional Recap: 'Failing a test is not the end of the world. Failing to learn from that test could be.' - BYU News Skip to main content
Intellect

Devotional Recap: 'Failing a test is not the end of the world. Failing to learn from that test could be.'

BYU Chaplain and Assistant Dean of Students Jim Slaughter spoke at Tuesday's devotional

The person you become is a matter of choice, said University Chaplain and Assistant Dean of Students Jim Slaughter at Tuesday's Devotional.

How you react to a difficult test and to embarrassment, the career you choose and who you marry all comes down to everyday choices and what we do when things don't go according to plan, said Slaughter. 

"Let me caution you, simply because you make certain decisions does not guarantee you will end up exactly where you expect to be," he said. "The choice I am talking about is the type of person you want to be regardless of where life and vocation take you."

Slaughter suggested envisioning the specific characteristics of the person you want to become and tenaciously holding to that vision through adversity.

"Temptation to be less than you know you can be is always lurking and ready to present itself to you as an opportunity for personal gain or pleasure," he said. "Walking away from temptation when no one would know and being true to yourself and God is a test passed."

If you missed Slaughter's address, it can be streamed on demand at BYUtv.org and will be available on speeches.byu.edu

Next devotional address
On Tuesday, July 8, Associate Professor of Biology and Assistant Curator of Fishes at the Bean Museum Jerry Johnson will deliver a devotional address at 11:05 am in the de Jong Concert Hall. Johnson's address will consider how we can develop spiritual eyes to see the great love and mercy that our Heavenly Father feels toward each of us.

Writer: Paige Montgomery

Related Articles

data-content-type="article"

Rethinking sugar: BYU study shows food source is key to understanding diabetes risk

May 27, 2025
A recent BYU study shows that not all dietary sugars carry the same risks. In the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis of its kind, BYU researchers—in collaboration with researchers from Germany-based institutions—found that the type and source of sugar may matter far more than previously thought.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

BYU researchers show social connection is still underappreciated as a medically relevant health factor

May 22, 2025
Despite mounting evidence that social connection is vital to physical health, new BYU research shows most people, including doctors, still underestimate its importance.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

BYU’s 2025 awards season honors student standouts

May 15, 2025
Rise and shout! Across various disciplines, BYU students have been recognized for their world-class accomplishments.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=