PROVO, UTAH
Individuals must remember the Lord and give their mind and heart to Him, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy counseled BYU students during the devotional assembly held Dec. 7.
Drawing from experiences throughout his life, Elder Hallstrom provided personal context of how individuals can offer their heart and mind to the Savior.
To illustrate, he drew upon personal experiences from his childhood in Hawaii, where he grew up living adjacent to the Honolulu stake tabernacle, as well as his time spent in Asia while serving on assignment as a General Authority.
Elder Hallstrom spoke of the time he has spent pondering how the gospel is established in an individual life, in a family, in a country and throughout the world.
He shared his answer by quoting from the Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34:
"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these the last days."
Elder Hallstrom explained these verses teaching how both the heart and the mind must be fully engaged in the holy conversion process.
He related how love is the most powerful motivator of all, pointing out that every day individuals bear burdens and make sacrifices for those that they love — because they love them.
"The conversion of our soul and the ongoing refinement of our life, as we adopt the attributes of Godliness is our earthly mission," he said. "And [it] is rewarded with 'eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God' " (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).
Elder Hallstrom quoted Elder Neal A. Maxwell when he said to BYU students in 1999 that the only uniquely personal thing an individual has to place on God's altar is the submission of one's will. It is only when individuals submit themselves to His will that they have really given Him the final thing that He asks of them.
Elder Hallstrom shared five essential ways that individuals can genuinely seek to give their heart and mind to the Lord.
First, gain and constantly nurture your own testimony.
"A Latter-day Saint's testimony should include a knowledge of, and love for, God the Eternal Father; Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son; and the Holy Ghost," Elder Hallstrom said.
He said that a constantly nurtured testimony would know of the gospel plan and of the centrality of the Savior's Atonement. Also, it would have an understanding of the restoration of the Lord's Church and the role of apostles and prophets on the earth today.
Second, honor priesthood ordinances and covenants.
Elder Hallstrom spoke of the importance of preparing for ordinances yet to be performed in one's life, and of honoring priesthood ordinances and covenants that have been made.
He counseled the BYU students to evaluate decisions in life by the covenants that they have made.
"Ask yourself, 'Is this choice consistent with my covenants?'" Elder Hallstrom counseled.
He taught that it is when members live by covenant and not by convenience, that their lives are directed toward their heavenly home.
Third, root out duplicity.
Acting the same in private that one would in public is to have integrity, and is the opposite of duplicity.
Elder Hallstrom related the Old Testament story of Jonah, who ran away from the Lord's call and went to Joppa. Jonah soon found that he could not hide from God.
Elder Hallstrom suggested a way to see whether members have "an eye single to the glory of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 4:5) or a secondary eye on the world is to evaluate how they act when alone. He asked the question, "Do we watch the same kind of media entertainment when we are alone, as we would if others were watching?"
Fourth, continually study the doctrine.
Elder Hallstrom quoted President Boyd K. Packer who said, "The study of doctrine will change behavior more than the study of behavior will change behavior."
Elder Hallstrom stressed the importance of studying and following the counsel of prophets today. He said that they are more than just wise men giving good advice. It is important to follow their counsel when it is hard, as well as when it seems comfortable to do so.
Fifth, establish a life of service.
Elder Hallstrom shared the experience of when he was called to be the bishop of an 850-member ward. He was not yet 30, he had three children under the age of seven, and had just started a new company.
"The daunting responsibilities to properly care for my young family, the saints entrusted to my stewardship, and to create a viable business, seemed impossible," Elder Hallstrom said.
He spoke of how serving others can emulate the act of service offered to each of person by the Redeemer of the world. Implementing these principles into an individual's life early will bring him or her closer to the Savior.
"Do you love the Lord more than the world? Does He have your heart and willing mind?" he asked. "My dear young friends, during this critical time of higher education and transition from youth to adulthood, it is profoundly important that you establish a foundation of loyalty to the Lord. Your very future, your family's future and the future of the Church depend on it."
