“As disciples of Christ, we are His ensign,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told Brigham Young University students gathered in a devotional in the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, Jan. 21. “We develop and display His attributes to honor, respect and glorify Him.”
He told the students how flags, banners or ensigns are filled with symbolism and meaning and shared four metaphorical flags that might enhance one as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
An ensign of peacemaker
President Russell M. Nelson described peacemakers in April 2023 by saying: “The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade and inspire — no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”
Elder Stevenson added in his address that “a peacemaker must consider the needs of the other as much or more than their own. This perspective of a peacemaker not only calls for individual responsibility but also underscores our connection to all people. We can elevate our flag of peacemaker higher. We can make an impact.”
Elder Stevenson shared how an acquaintance of his saw a problem and decided she wanted to make a difference. Beginning with her own family, with adult children representing five political parties across the spectrum, she observed how politicians need to be especially careful and thoughtful in their discourse with one another.
This woman went on to co-create a nonprofit that developed The Dignity Index. This index uses an eight-point scale for measuring how others are treated — with dignity or contempt — by words one speaks or writes. Its goal is to ease divisions, prevent violence and solve problems, “or, in other words, nurture peacemakers,” Elder Stevenson said.
“On a hill above the Sea of Galilee, Jesus Christ himself warmly encouraged this attribute with a blessing and a promise: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,’” Elder Stevenson said, quoting Matthew 5:9.
An ensign of understanding
Elder Stevenson told how in his own academic life while a student at Utah State University, he would look up at a wooden sign as he walked into the library that read: “And with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).
“To this day, this scripture is indelibly engraved in my mind,” Elder Stevenson said. “What is the understanding we are admonished to get? In this context, it seems understanding goes beyond just comprehension.”
Elder Stevenson quoted Elder Robert D. Hales, who taught: “First, we start with the intelligence with which we were born. To our intelligence we add knowledge as we search for answers, study and educate ourselves. To our knowledge we add experience, which should lead us to a level of wisdom.”
Elder Stevenson encouraged students to become active listeners: “We should practice to perfect traits of understanding in the way we communicate. This especially includes the ongoing challenge of being active listeners, truly listening to understand, not just to respond.”
An ensign of the Restoration
“Carrying the flag of the Restoration embodies everything that you are: sons and daughters of loving heavenly parents, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, active participants on the covenant path,” Elder Stevenson said. “Each of these roles are magnified, enabled or made possible by the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.”
Carrying the flag of the Restoration means hoping to introduce its unique message to others, according to Elder Stevenson. He pointed out how the Savior spoke directly on this matter in Matthew 5:14-16.
“Ye are the light of the world,” the scripture reads. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Elder Stevenson said: “Gratefully, the Savior’s admonition can be accomplished through simple, easily understandable principles taught to each of us from childhood: love, share and invite. … By sharing our positive experiences in the gospel with others, we wave the ensign of the Restoration.”
An ensign of engagement
“Be active, get involved in good causes,” Elder Stevenson encouraged. “We both encourage and are grateful for members of the Church who seek valuable places of public service at every level.”
He told the story of Tanner and Allie Ward, a young BYU-graduated family, who helped start weekly cancer walks in Shreveport, Louisiana, to uplift spirits and improve health for cancer patients, their families and students. Those walks eventually grew, and the Louisiana Legislature passed a resolution in 2024 recognizing Tanner Ward’s efforts, which created hope and happiness for those in need.
“You see, engagement leaves a lasting impact in the hearts of those you serve and sometimes even in the hearts of entire communities,” Elder Stevenson said. “We hope you will engage in good causes whatever they may be. Boldly carry the banner of engagement.”
In conclusion, Elder Stevenson said the students gathered in the Marriott Center feel like a literal ensign of nations, “of disciples of Jesus Christ, representing Him and the Church of Jesus Christ.”
“So, go forth, proudly carrying His banner, the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Student reactions
BYU student Sophia DeMordaunt enjoyed the emphasis on peacemaking in Elder Stevenson’s remarks.
“I feel like this world just needs a lot of peace right now and we’re to turn toward each other and understand who each other are through the perspective of children of God,” DeMordaunt said.
Fellow student Drew Rigby said the talk helped him to think of some people he wants to reach out to and make connections with.
“Because there’s some people I feel like I need to get in touch with again,” he said. “Everything is a call to action, being a peacemaker, understanding, restoration, engagement, they all require action on our part to do those things.”
