Rather than open it up for questions as he shared he had done in previous visits to BYU–Hawaii, Elder David A. Bednar of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delved into the scriptures and urged students to realize the impact of covenants and ordinances during a special devotional held on Sunday, Nov. 14.
Bednar said if he had the time, he would look each student in the eyes and tell them Jesus Christ sent him there to tell them the blessing of the gospel are for them individually. He added although he cannot do that, the Holy Ghost will let each student with an open heart know that truth for their self.
Knowing the enemy’s intent
Elder Bednar emphasized the importance of studying the war chapters in the Book of Mormon, not for historical value but as preparation for the future. “There is much to learn from those war chapters in the Book of Mormon about how to prepare for the battles against evil of the day in which we live.”
He explained just as Nephites studied the intent of their enemies in war, it is crucial for students to realize what the enemy’s intent is today, particularly with how the adversary engages people to use their bodies.
For example, Bednar said the adversary “hates the fact” people have a physical body that gives them the opportunity to have a mortal experience and learn. “[The adversary’s] damnation and his punishment is his progression is halted precisely because he does not have a body.”
Because of this, he said misusing one’s body is Satan’s biggest tactic. “He’ll make it look enticing and attractive and fulfilling, and it’s an illusion just like the great and spacious building that has no foundation. It is shallow, it is hollow, and it is empty.”
He invited students to read all of the war chapters in the Book of Alma to know the intent of the enemy and therefore be prepared. He advised students to ask themselves, “What was the intent of the enemy? How did the Nephites know the intent of the enemy? And when they knew the intent of the enemy, how did that help them to prepare?”
Believe in him and believe him
Another of Bednar’s invitations was for students to study the chapter headings in Moroni and create a three to five word summary of the focus of each chapter. He urged students to “look at, read and learn from the sequence of what’s in those 10 chapters,” which he promised would teach them about the “latter days” and what matters most.
He shared Moroni chapter 9 verse 25, which describes Mormon’s encouragement to his son, Moroni. He emphasized the “commotion and confusion” of today can “be lifted up by the Savior” as people turn to Jesus Christ because the gospel blessings will “rest in [their] minds forever.”
Bednar added he has become increasingly concerned young people believe in Jesus Christ but struggle to believe him and that what he says applies to them. He urged students to remember “every covenant-receiving, covenant-keeping member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” can receive such blessings and blessed congregation members to be able to learn that through the Spirit.
Rawinia Vaaulu, a BYUH alumna from Samoa, who currently works as an intern for Financial Aid & Scholarships, said this message stood out to her in his talk since she knows she could be doing more.
Bednar advised students to remember they don’t have to be perfect. “Quit stressing about it,” he said, emphasizing how nobody is good enough, which is why all people need to remember to trust Jesus Christ.
Doing hard things
Elder Bednar also highlighted elements from Lehi’s vision in 1 Nephi chapter 8, including how the “great and spacious building” had no foundation, which he explained represents how the wealth and fame of the world is an illusion.
He contrasted how the people in Lehi’s vision who were “clinging” to the rod of iron with white knuckles ultimately did not endure, whereas those who were “holding fast” to the rod of iron stayed faithful to the end.
Vaaulu said, “I loved that he highlighted the difference between ‘clinging’ to the word and hanging on to it or ‘holding’ onto the word. It made me reevaluate my priorities in life.”
Ula Lah Akeripa, a junior majoring in human resources and communications from Australia, said she liked that Bednar emphasized he was not there to entertain but to engage.
She added college students “are so used to fun and quick messages and [their] attention span has become so short. I realized how important it is to take time for the things that are important and that [I] only take out what [I] put in.”
Sister Susan Bednar, who gave a brief talk before Elder Bednar, started the meeting off by causing the Cannon Activities Center to fill with laughter as she teased Elder Bednar about his haircut in the picture displayed above the pulpit. She also joked about his haircutting abilities, to which Elder Bednar responded at the start of his talk.
“I want [people] to notice my restraint,” he shared with the audience, “in not telling any stories about my cutting of [Sister Bednar’s] hair. The only thing I’ll say is her version of the story was different tonight than what she told me after I cut it.”
Sister Bednar then stood up for her rebuttal, and added, “Let’s just say he doesn’t give very good haircuts,” eliciting more laughs from the audience.
Vaaulu explained she loved the bickering between Elder and Sister Bednar. “He’s an apostle and [when I saw him] with his wife [I saw] he’s just a regular person.”
In her talk, sister Bednar shared each time her husband received a new, more demanding calling, she would tell him, “David, I don’t think I can do this.” She added she knows Jesus Christ will help people do difficult things by blessing them, helping them and giving them confidence.
Vaaulu said, “Sister Bednar is so funny, and her story when she introduced Elder Bednar, about not being good enough, really helped me to see with Heavenly Father and Christ, [I] can do hard things.”