Several months ago, Elder Gerrit W. Gong was riding a train and met the conductor — a young Latter-day Saint returned missionary who was supporting his family, serving in the Church and progressing in his career after studying with BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
“I was happy for and proud of this young man,” Elder Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles related during a BYU–Pathway Worldwide devotional broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 5. “He is a good husband, a good father. He is a valiant disciple of Jesus Christ. He is a leader in his home, in the Church and in his community. Through faith in Jesus Christ, he is becoming spiritually and temporally self-reliant. The light of this BYU–Pathway student shines bright.”
In speaking to BYU–Pathway students, Elder Gong centered his remarks on a scripture which, he said, contains an important principle and a remarkable promise.
In Doctrine and Covenants 123:17, the Saints are instructed: “Cheerfully do all things that [are] in our power.”
Said Elder Gong: “This is a principle of faith and action. Cheerfulness and gratitude go together. Cheerfulness and service go together. Doing all things that lie in our power helps us receive God’s help and inspiration. Our best efforts and God’s help go together.”
Like the train conductor, individuals can cheerfully do all they can with what they have. “We do our best each day. Some things lie beyond our control. But small and simple things, done with faith and diligence each day, bring great things,” Elder Gong assured.
Each day, students can study assignments and creatively apply the principles from their classes. They can pray, study and ponder the Lord’s word in scripture, and serve with kindness and thoughtfulness. “As we seek to bless others, the Lord’s Spirit will help and guide us, including with our BYU–Pathway studies.”
The second part of the scripture offers a remarkable promise, Elder Gong continued. “As we ‘cheerfully do all things that lie in our power,’ the Lord promises that then we can ‘stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed.’”
Elder Gong encouraged listeners to live with faith, develop righteous habits, always be truthful and honest, worship the Lord on the Sabbath day, and faithfully pay tithes and offerings. “Bless your family and serve in the Church. Faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to Him bring the Spirit and spiritual growth. Then we can have confidence to stand still and feel the Lord’s peace, assurance and blessings — in His time and way.”
As individuals cheerfully do all they can, they move forward each day. “Faithful diligence means working hard and working smart. It means working with faith in Jesus Christ and giving kindness to others. It includes keeping our mind and heart open to inspiration as we do our best with faith in every footstep.”
