REXBURG, IDAHO
"Where will you be in 20 years?" Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy asked BYU-Idaho students during a weekly devotional on May 15. "What decisions and commitments do you need to make now and in the future to help you remain faithful?"
Elder Grow gave ten principles — many taught in the Proclamation on the Family — that will help individuals remain faithful.
First, continually nourish your testimony. One's foundation of faith can only be diminished through neglect or sin, Elder Grow said. It is through daily scripture study, personal prayer and serving in the Church throughout life that individuals can continually nourish their testimony.
Second, follow the counsel of living prophets.
Referring to the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Grow said, "We sustain these Brethren as prophets, seers and revelators. ... The Lord promises us eternal blessings when we follow the counsel of the prophets."
Third, be sealed in the temple and keep temple covenants.
The most important decision one will make in this life is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority and then keep those covenants, he said. "Too many young single adults are postponing marriage. ... Instead of looking for reasons why you can't be married now, look for revelation and for faith to move forward."
Fourth, partner with God in bringing His spirit children to earth.
Elder Grow taught that God's commandment to multiply and replenish the earth has not changed, despite some of the changing trends of the world.
Fifth, do not indulge in pornography or other immoral behavior.
"Complete fidelity means being emotionally faithful as well as being physically faithful to your spouse," Elder Grow said. "Pornography and on-line relationships are examples of emotional infidelity. When a spouse engages in pornography, he or she violates a sacred trust of the most intimate nature."
Sixth, teach and live the gospel at home.
"As young married couples, you are in the position to start your own righteous family traditions of daily family scripture study, family prayer and preparing your children for missions and temple marriage."
Seventh, honor the roles of both father and mother in raising children.
"Equal partners are to be equal partners. Counsel together and pray together. Be guided by the Spirit to know the most effective way for you to raise your children together. Their eternal destiny will be affected by your decisions."
Eighth, use moral agency to choose to follow the Savior.
"As you choose to follow the Savior you will have joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come," he said.
Ninth, develop faith to endure to the end.
Quoting President Thomas S. Monson, Elder Grow said, "Your future is as bright as your faith. That includes faith to endure, to overcome all obstacles, including offenses, betrayals and disappointments."
Tenth, submit one's will to the will of God.
"By voluntarily submitting your will to His, you shall become like Him. ... To the degree that you exercise faith in Jesus Christ, submit your will to God's will, follow the counsel of His prophets, and obey the promptings of the Spirit, you will be successful in this life."
