Elder Larry W. Gibbons, former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, gave a Devotional talk entitled “Are You in Control?” on Tuesday, September 17, in the Cannon Activities Center at BYU–Hawaii. Focusing on doctrine, principles and application, Elder Gibbons outlined his counsel related to the importance of self-control.
He started his talk by turning to the scriptures for the doctrine behind self-control. “We are taught … that ‘God gave unto man that he should act for himself,’” he said. “Our Heavenly Father gave us our agency—the right and ability to make our own choices.” Because of this agency, stressed Elder Gibbons, we need to learn self-control in order to make good choices, to act and not be acted upon.
As a professional physician by training, Elder Gibbons advised listeners about the importance of having self-control with regards to our physical bodies. He reiterated the importance of following the Word of Wisdom and maintaining healthy lifestyles. He recommended several steps toward healthier eating habits, such as watching portion size, eating more cereal and nuts, and eating less pizza and hot dogs. “I tell my friends they can eat hot dogs – one hot dog a year – on the fourth of July,” he joked. He also emphasized exercise’s role in decreasing stress and anxiety while increasing energy and mental capacity. “It just makes you feel better,” he said. “Pretty good medicine, isn’t it?” He also urged listeners to make a habit of getting up early, not only for health benefits but for spiritual rewards. “I promise you that getting up early will open the door to more personal revelation. … Early morning is … a perfect environment for hearing the voice of the Lord and feeling what he wants us to do.”
Elder Gibbons stressed the importance of moral cleanliness, acknowledging it as a key element of learning self-control. “Some of the most formidable sources of opposition you face at this time in your life are the temptations related to the Lord’s standard of morality,” he warned. “These temptations are all around you. To stay clear of the fiery darts of the adversary that seem to come at you incessantly, you must develop self-control and self-discipline. As you do, this self-mastery can be a source of tremendous joy.”
Elder Gibbons also instructed listeners to follow the example of the Savior, who, though tempted, gave no heed to temptations. “Look at what he endured as he maintained absolute self-control. … Those around Him spit in His face and buffeted Him. They smote Him with their hands. They scourged Him. They put a crown of thorns on His head. They mocked Him. They did this to their Savior—their creator—their God. … Just one word from Him and there would have been legions of angels to smite those who persecuted Him. … But, He said nothing. He didn’t react. … What magnificent self-control.”
Elder Gibbons ended with his testimony of the Atonement, saying, “The Atonement not only offers forgiveness of sin and resurrection, but it offers strength to meet any challenge. If you have stumbled in the past, look up, reach up, and get help. It is there.”
See the complete Devotional address from September 17, 2013.
University Devotionals are held each Tuesday at 11 AM in the Cannon Activities Center. Previous Devotionals can be viewed at devotional.byuh.edu.