Using the story of a child lost and found in the deserts of Tucson, Ariz., Associate Chair of the Department of Communications Mark Callister taught how God manifests his love for all through the efforts of his under-shepherds during his address at Tuesday's Devotional.
Callister recalled seeing the image of the lost child's father during the search and rescue and how it gave him a glimpse into what our Heavenly Father must feel when seeing his children struggle and wander.
"Those who go out and search for the lost ones or those who struggle certainly offer our Heavenly Father some relief from his concern, anguish and sorrow," Callister said.
He contrasted his desert analogy by speaking of love, charity and service in terms of water. Callister spoke of God's pure love as a river that polishes us, transforms our nature and blesses those we serve.
"When our Heavenly Father bestows His love upon us, it is not meant to simply pool within us," Callister said. "As it flows through us to others in Christ-like service, we are transformed."
Callister cited the fruits of charity as a greater desire for the eternal welfare of others and a heart that is:
- Quick to forgive
- Slow to judge
- Slow to anger
- Able to see the good in others
- Patient and kind
- Seeking out those in need
"I've learned that as we strive to follow the Savior, and as we fervently pray for charity, our service undergoes a remarkable change," Callister said.
If you missed Callister's address, it can be streamed on demand at BYUtv.org and will be available on speeches.byu.edu.
Next Week's Devotional
Next Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11:05 a.m., in the Marriott Center, will be the Opening Ceremonies of the Homecoming week activities.
BYU President Kevin Worthen will introduce the Homecoming theme, Take Flight. Then he and his wife Peggy will also show another side of their personalities. The Cougar Marching Band, Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall, Jeremy of Studio C, and the 103-year-old alumnae who founded BYU's modern dance program will help with the ceremony.
The Men’s Chorus will perform an arrangement of the African song Baba Yehtu, and Contemporary Dance Theatre will present Rapture. The winner of the Brimhall Essay Contest winner will be announced.
Following the hour-long ceremonies, the Cougar Marching Band will lead the students to Brigham Square for a hot dog or pulled pork barbecue.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 11:05 a.m., in the Marriott Center, Dr. Vali Nasr, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies will be the Forum speaker.
Writer: Nate Depperman
