Elder Michael J. Teh, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, shared with students in the March 25 devotional the importance of combining diligence both in studies and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to fully realize the potential of President David O. McKay’s prophetic vision for BYU-Hawaii.
He stressed that the pursuit of knowledge “must be coupled with a continuing desire to serve God and our fellowmen. In fact, if we limit ourselves only to the pursuit of secular knowledge, we may be setting ourselves up to be numbered among a group of people that the Apostle Paul described to his protégé, Timothy, as Ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3: 7).
During the groundbreaking ceremony for BYU-Hawaii, President David O. McKay emphasized the specific mission and purpose of this university as one that will produce students of character and value:
The world needs them...the world needs men who cannot be bought of sold, men who will scorn to violate truth — genuine gold. That is what this school is going to produce. More than that, they will be leaders. Not leaders only in this island, but everywhere.
As a university with students representing 74 different countries, Elder Teh said those at BYU-Hawaii have the responsibility to return home and fulfill the prophecy of President McKay; that is, “play a part in bringing about peace internationally. The prophetic utterance of President David O. McKay can and will have its fulfillment in each of you individually. Each and every one of you will have to decide whether you will become part of that great vision or that you are simply here for an education or a degree.”
More specifically, Elder Teh urged the students to watch Sabbath day observance and be patient. “Keep the Sabbath day holy... Attending our Sunday meetings is a commandment from the Lord. It is not an option. We need that recharging for our spirits through renewal of sacred covenants. Indeed, the sacrament service is one of the most important meetings that we attend.”
To give an exact definition, Elder Teh used scriptures to show what it means to keep the Sabbath holy. Many of us, he said, follow the part of Doctrine and Covenants 59:13 that reads, this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors...but we interpret it wrongly. “Many of us basically do nothing on the Sabbath and lull ourselves to believe that we have kept it holy by doing so.”
He countered this thought by sharing words from President Spencer W. Kimball: “Well, President Kimball straightened us out, didn’t he, when he taught that we are not keeping the Sabbath day holy if we merely lounge around and do nothing. That means we need to be ‘anxiously engaged in a good cause,’ doesn’t it?”
Based on his own experiences juggling time “between a full-time job, working on a bachelor’s degree, serving as a bishop, a husband and a father to two small children,” Elder Teh said he was able to balance everything and still keep the Sabbath day holy. As a result of his determination to do so, he believed he was “invigorated” and received “a double dose of blessings.”
He reminded the students of D&C 130:20-21 in which Joseph Smith was taught that all who choose to follow the commandments of God will receive blessings.
Elder Teh also addressed the issues that many young families have as they struggle to receive an education and manage finances. “Many of you are now starting your families; and many others will follow, I hope, very soon. Life will be hard. That’s all right. That’s the way God wanted it to be... More comfort will come as you grow older and as the children grow older.”
Elder Teh recalled at one point he and his wife, Grace, struggled so much early in their marriage that they considered pawning their wedding rings. “But the appraisal was not very promising...so we abandoned that plan.” With hard work they survived the crisis. “Sometimes, as married couples, we become impatient, and we want things to happen faster, we want comfort to come faster.”
He advised the students to be patient. For him and Grace, the early challenges “were times when we were experiencing a lot of growth and strength of character individually and as a couple. Those were times when our love for each other started to really blossom from what we thought was already a perfect relationship when we got married.”
“So, be patient and do what the Lord tells you to do. Pay your tithes and offerings without fail. They always come first. That is the only way the Lord can perform miracles for you to witness.”
Students have many aspects of life to balance, Elder Teh acknowledged. President Hinckley knew that it is possible. He said, “‘I don't think that is difficult. I served in many capacities in this Church. I am the father of five children, who were young and growing up when I was serving in those various capacities. We enjoyed life. We just did what the Church expected us to do.’”
The 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, as shared by Elder Teh, teaches that, “the Lord blesses those who serve Him and are obedient and faithful. We are promised the Spirit and a path to happiness and eternal life.”
“Brothers and sisters, that path is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not happy now, then we need to do something about it. Let's get with the program. God intends for us to enjoy true and lasting happiness in this life. What a wonderful life it is. It is full of challenges. But it's wonderful nonetheless.”
— Photo by Larrin Wada
:: For a complete transcript of Elder Teh's devotional...