Elder Paul V. Johnson: Gospel truths add perspective to love
Students from LDS Business College gathered in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square to hear Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy during a devotional assembly on Feb. 12. This is the first time since 2006 that the devotional assembly has been large enough to accommodate the student body in one room, said D. Louise Brown director of public affairs for LDS Business College, and the first time she is aware of that the devotional address has been held in the Assembly Hall.
In honor of Valentine's Day, Elder Johnson spoke to the students on love and marriage and the importance of viewing both through an eternal perspective.
He spoke of a note his wife received when she was a girl from a boy who was fond of her, that said something along the lines of, "Jill, it was really fun going to the movies with you yesterday. Maybe next time we can sit by each other."
Elder Paul V. Johnson, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System since 2008, at an LDS Business College devotional.
Photo by Whitney Evans
He constrasted the direct nature of young love with the more complicated nuances seen in dating now where advances in technology allow a couple to meet, date and break up all while never meeting in person. This type of relationship, he said, is difficult for him to understand.
"We want you to meet each other, actually see each other and get to know each other."
LDS Business College students listen attentively during a devotional assembly held on Feb. 12.
Photo by Whitney Evans
He referred to remarks made by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve during a devotional for Church Educational System educators a few days earlier, on Feb. 8, in the Tabernacle. Elder Oaks said the LDS way of approaching family issues is different than many others in the world because of the doctrine of eternal life.
Today, Latter-day Saints have some of the most powerful teaching on marriage and family that can be found anywhere in the world, Elder Johnson said, including "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," which is "about as clear a statement about what we believe about marriage and family as you can find."
Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy and his wife, Jill, before the devotional assembly address on Feb. 12.
Photo by Whitney Evans
Quoting various excerpts from the Proclamation, he expounded on the beliefs that marriage between a man and woman is ordained by God and that families are central to God's plan.
"Now these truths are often different than what we hear in the world. They're very basic and they go contrary sometimes to current societal trends. The adversary would like to have people not believe in the true foundation of marriage and family and he's got a very good fight going on right now."
A choir from LDS Business College performs "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" before Elder Paul V. Johnson's devotional assembly address on Feb. 12.
Photo by Whitney Evans
Each Latter-day Saint can decide to follow the truth they know, Elder Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner of the Church Educational System and member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, told LDS Business College students on Feb 12.
Photo by Whitney Evans
There are many trends in the world that go contrary to what the gospel teaches about families, chastity and raising families within the bonds of marriage, he noted.
"No matter what the trends are in the world, we don't have to follow them. And no matter what's happening in the great and spacious building with finger pointing and mocking, we don't have to be affected by it. We can grasp the rod of iron and stay on the path."
In challenging times, LDS young adults can move forward with faith, even when others might disagree or mock them.
He quoted Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve who once told young men that they should serve a mission and then make finding an eternal companion the highest priority. Elder Johnson said these are basic truths.
Elder Paul V. Johnson, Member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System, spoke to LDS Business College students of the perspective the gospel can bring to matters of love and marriage.
Photo by Whitney Evans
Elder Paul V. Johnson, Member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System, spoke to LDS Business College students of the perspective the gospel can bring to matters of love and marriage.
Photo by Whitney Evans
"We don't have to be intimidated in this dating thing. It can be challenging, but we know the long view and so we know it's worthwhile to step up and get involved in this dating and courtship."
Latter-day Saints have a different view of marriage, he said, because of the knowledge that those who are faithful will receive eternal life. Those who do not have the chance to marry in this life will have the opportunity to marry in the next, as long as they remain faithful to their covenants.
Elder Johnson told those who put off marriage because they anticipate hard times or because they are not yet well-off financially to realize they have nothing to fear. Some of the most bonding and refining times in his marriage were those in which he and his wife had to cling to each other and to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Elder Paul V. Johnson stops to shake hands with an LDS Business College student following a devotional assembly held at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, Feb. 13.
Photo by Whitney Evans
"I want you to know that those truths that have been given to us are real. The teachings about family that we have in the gospel of Jesus Christ are critical for our future and for our eternal lives. Even when we're in the midst of the world that maybe even mocks some of our feelings about marriage and family, we can grasp on to them, we can live them and they'll make all the difference in our lives."
