LAIE, HAWAII
Speaking at BYU-Hawaii's Dec. 13 commencement, President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, encouraged graduates to continue to pursue God's design for eternal learning.
A former scholar, Stanford professor, BYU-Idaho president and Church Educational System commissioner before his call to the Quorum of the Twelve, President Eyring cited more personal learning experiences than teaching reflections while speaking to the nearly 300 graduates from throughout the United States and 31 different nations.
Acknowledging some graduates might not pursue additional formal education because of cost or circumstances, President Eyring said, "You will go on learning as long as you live and are conscious. Your choice is how to make the best of it.
"This opportunity to go on learning is not a choice; it is in God's design for us," he said, outlining what he called three "important choices we can and must make to make the most of our opportunity."
— "First, we can choose our teachers …
— "Second, we can choose what we will try to learn …
— "Third, we are free to decide how hard we will work in our eternal education."
Choose teachers
He recalled his time as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force while working under officers who had "a deep and true sense" of right and wrong. They were varied in skill and personality, and few expressed faith in God, but they were good people and "all of them had enough light of Christ shining down on them" that allowed them to be recognized as mentors and teachers who helped in one's learning, he said.
"You can find teachers in every setting whose influence draws you toward keeping the commandments of God. And you can discern those whose influence would draw you away from the light of Christ, the spirit of truth and toward darkness and sadness."
Explaining that he has tried throughout his life "to invite people to choose to teach me," President Eyring added "you can choose who you will try to win as your teachers. And you must choose wisely. It makes all the difference."
Choose what to learn
Times may change along with individuals and their lives, "but in every situation, you can try to learn to recognize principles which will be true whatever the situation," President Eyring said.
Of the attempt to discover what brings lasting value, he added: "I frequently give myself an exam to see whether I am improving in my search to recognize lasting principles and enduring values in the lives of the people I try to serve."
He cited as an example his assignment to call new mission presidents, spending as much time as it takes before issuing the call to learn as much as he can about the man and his wife.
"The valuable principle I have learned in the school of experience is to dig a little deeper to be sure of the facts," he said. "The lasting value I have had confirmed in these calls is trust."
Strive for eternal education
President Eyring warned graduates "the temptation to take a rest from learning will attack you again and again, and it will be nearly overwhelming for some of you."
Love of others and fear of rapid changes are among the motivators of people in their pursuit of eternal learning, and those who continue learning will be able to survive through societal cycles of prosperity and challenges.
"The economic times we are going through may be extended and will be repeated," he said. "There will be times of prosperity, in the world around you and in your own lives. But the cycles are sure. Some people adapt and survive well in the worst of times. They are the people who have kept learning."
He encouraged graduates to remember "the love of learning" experience at BYU-Hawaii and to strive to be "a teacher of what you are learning," such as teaching their own children.
"You will work harder if you do it for others rather than only for self-improvement," he said.
President Eyring closed by thanking the graduates for their contributions to the university.
"Many of you have blessed your fellow students," he said. "You have taught them and you encouraged them. You have set an example of humility in wanting to learn and of determination in effort to learn.
"Your fellow students may not have thanked you yet. But they will be forever grateful.
"I love you for what you have done for this great university while you were here," he continued. "And I love you for letting me try to be your teacher for a few minutes."
