My dear friends, today is a wonderful day to be alive. This is an amazing season in the history of the world. And we are here\u2014here at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I feel blessed, and I hope you feel blessed to be here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the past thirty years of my life, I have served, worked, and lived in dozens of countries throughout the world\u2014in places in which the Church is established and in some in which it is not; among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and among those not of our faith. I have heard countless people express their desires and dreams to study at Brigham Young University, to be part of what we are experiencing right now, right here, today. I think it would not be inaccurate to say that there are tens of thousands around the world who would love to be here and enjoy the blessings we experience at Brigham Young University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is that so? What is it about Brigham Young University that makes students and teachers from all over the world dream of studying and teaching here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opening of the heavens to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820 began the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and resulted in the establishment of His Church again upon the earth. It also brought new understanding about the nature of the human soul, truth, and the divine processes whereby mortals obtain light, knowledge, and intelligence. Consider these profound, paradigm-changing declarations made by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These amazing revelations declare that all light, truth, and intelligence are in and proceed from God. All mortals are dual beings with bodies and spirits. Truth and light from God connect naturally to our spirits to enlighten our minds and our spirits, helping us to know what is true and real. The Spirit of God accelerates learning. Obedience to God supports learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These truths come with encouragement from the Lord to use our minds and spirits to diligently seek learning, light, and truth \u201cout of the best books\u201d (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118<\/a>). The Lord encourages us to become<\/p>\n\n\n\n instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine<\/em> [of things pertaining to the gospel] . . . ;<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of things . . . in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.<\/em> [Doctrine and Covenants 88:78\u201379<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are to pursue this knowledge \u201cby study and also by faith\u201d (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118<\/a>) \u201cthat [we] may be prepared in all things\u201d to fulfill our callings and missions upon the earth (Doctrine and Covenants 88:80<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigham Young University was established to employ and embody these revealed principles in an institution of higher education\u2014\u201ca unique university,\u201d as President Spencer W. Kimball said, with a spiritual and academic learning environment that is different from the world\u2019s (\u201cThe Second Century of Brigham Young University<\/a>,\u201d BYU devotional address, 10 October 1975). The BYU mission and aims webpage (aims.byu.edu) is a wonderful place to review the Mission of Brigham Young University and other \u00admaterials that will provide you with a sense of this \u00aduniversity\u2019s lofty goals and mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The success of students, faculty, and \u00adadministrators\u2014past and present\u2014in understanding and incorporating the restored truths I have discussed into the fabric of the academic and spiritual experience at Brigham Young University is, in my mind, the reason for its reputation around the world. It is why thousands of members and nonmembers alike hope and dream for an opportunity to be part of a Brigham Young University learning or teaching experience. Thank you for your past contributions to help Brigham Young University be the light it has become to the world. Thank you for all you are doing to extend and expand the power and influence of the university for good into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not easy to operate a university with these high ideals and revealed principles\u2014to maintain a consistent climate of academic and spiritual excellence. Prophetic guidance and sound administration help, but such an ambitious undertaking requires commitment and support from every member of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By choosing Brigham Young University and by virtue of your acceptance, students, professors, and administrators agree to become part of a religious academic community united by a common commitment to seek both secular and religious learning by study and also by faith. Each member of the community personally commits to be part of the community and to honor its values by signing their acceptance letter and the Honor Code and dress and grooming standards for the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Membership in the BYU community is voluntary. It is a personal choice made knowing what is expected. A decision to join triggers both access to the benefits of and responsibility to sustain the values and purposes of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A decision to be part of the community is the first step. Building a community requires sustained effort, time, sacrifice, work, and\u2014in the case of the BYU community\u2014divine assistance. A new academic year has recently begun. Some of you are just beginning your BYU experience; \u00adothers have been here longer. Whether you are new to BYU or have been here for years, I hope you will continue to ask the question \u201cWhat can I do to strengthen Brigham Young University?\u201d With that question in mind, may I share a few of my thoughts on that topic for the next few minutes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acknowledging and incorporating the essential role of the Holy Ghost in its teaching and learning models is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Brigham Young University. In contrast, most academic institutions solely focus on secular learning approaches. At BYU, the Holy Ghost is recognized as an essential element of our learning and teaching experience\u2014in our personal lives, in our relationships, and in our classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This model recognizes the dual nature of human beings and supports balanced learning. Inviting the Holy Ghost to be part of our learning experience increases and enhances our capacities. Parley P. Pratt expressed the Holy Ghost\u2019s effect beautifully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The . . . Holy Ghost . . . <\/em>quickens all the intellectual faculties<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em><\/strong> increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. <\/em>It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual ma<\/em><\/strong>n<\/em> [<\/strong>or woman<\/strong>].<\/strong> It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.<\/em> [Key to the Science of Theology<\/em> (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1973), 101; emphasis added]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine the impact an increased effort to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost could have on your ability to learn. Consider how much more light and intelligence are available to flow into our hearts, homes, and classrooms as students and professors work to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost with them every minute of every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even today I can remember lessons that the Spirit taught me on this campus more than forty years ago, supported by inspired professors and faithful fellow students at BYU who taught and learned with the power of the Spirit. The topics were secular, but the learning was spiritual. By the power of the Spirit, these teachings entered my heart and remain there. As we work to keep our lives clean by living the principles of the gospel, the Holy Ghost will come to quicken, invigorate, enlarge, and expand our minds and intellectual capacities, taking the fullest advantage possible of BYU\u2019s unique learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important element for building a unified and strong BYU community is trust. Trust is a \u201cfirm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something\u201d (Oxford Lexico online dictionary, s.v. \u201ctrust<\/a>,\u201d lexico.com\/en\/definition\/trust). Trust is essential in building unity and cohesiveness within a community. High trust leads to greater effectiveness in achieving personal and institutional objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent surveys confirm the obvious: people are losing trust in many traditional institutions in our society, including the national press, the national government, the police, and education systems. Further, these surveys find that trust in institutions is lowest among those belonging to Generation Z (see \u201cTracking Trust in U.S. Institutions,\u201d Morning Consult, updated 26 August 2021, morningconsult.com\/tracking-trust-in-institutions). That\u2019s most of you. Other surveys of university students show that there is a significant correlation between trust and a sense of belonging. Students with high trust in faculty, administration, and fellow students in their university feel a greater sense of belonging. Those who have low trust feel less included (see \u201cThe Trust Gap Among College Students,\u201d National Survey of Student Engagement [NSSE], Indiana University School of Education, nsse.indiana.edu\/research\/annual-results\/trust\/index.html).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In summary, greater trust brings a greater sense of belonging, and greater belonging creates a stronger sense of community. A stronger community accelerates learning and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under President Kevin J Worthen\u2019s wonderful leadership, the BYU administration has recognized the need to increase trust and build a stronger sense of belonging. The establishment of the new Office of Belonging, led by a vice \u00adpresident\u2013level administrator, will support that effort. But perhaps more important than the creation of a new office is what each of us can do individually to build greater trust within the BYU community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the past several years, our society has been sucked into a giant vortex of trust-destroying conduct by opposing sides of almost every social and political issue. Such conduct includes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do these things sound familiar to you? They should. These same types of tactics have been used by the adversary since before the foundations of the earth. Satan put his selfish desire for power ahead of the Father\u2019s plan of happiness for all mankind and used half-truths to persuade one-third of the Father\u2019s children to follow him (see Moses 4:1\u20134<\/a>). Lehi was shown how those in the world mock, scoff, and point fingers at those who believe to bully, intimidate, and embarrass them into abandoning their faith (see 1 Nephi 8:26\u201328<\/a>). Satan has used and perfected these tactics over millennia and has adapted them to today\u2019s social media environment. Now anyone can stroke her or his ego, promote a personal agenda, or sow doubt in others through a catchy tweet, a clever TikTok video, or a sarcastic meme. They try to justify these cruel means by convincing themselves that it is necessary to fight fire with fire. Because they have grown up in this shrill social media world, it is no wonder that Gen Zers have trust issues!<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the Lord has made it clear that \u201cno power or influence can or ought to be maintained\u201d except upon principles of righteousness, including \u201cby persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge\u201d (Doctrine and Covenants 121:41\u201342<\/a>). Promoting God\u2019s righteousness can never be accomplished using Satan\u2019s means or tactics. In contrast to Satan\u2019s tactics, using God\u2019s means will always bring increased trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today I implore you not to be sucked into Satan\u2019s trust-destroying tactics just because that\u2019s what the rest of the world around us is doing, especially against fellow members of the BYU community. Disciples of Jesus Christ use His means to accomplish His ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because BYU is a community of faith, there are things you can do to build greater trust that secular institutions cannot. One is to pray daily for the other members of the BYU community. Pray for your fellow students. Pray for your administrators. Pray for your teachers. Pray for the leaders of the Church, particularly those who have responsibility for BYU. I can promise you that your trust will increase as you do. Teachers and administrators, pray with increased faith for the students. Pray that the Holy Ghost will help us all become united to realize BYU\u2019s potential and mission. On fast Sunday, add fasting to your prayers and ponder what more you can do to develop greater capacity to trust and be trusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fulfill with exactness your commitment to live the Honor Code and dress and grooming standards. Your integrity engenders trust in others and within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because trust is a choice, choose today to look for the good and the positive in each other and forgive quickly when offended. Impute the best motive you can to each other\u2019s words and behavior. Don\u2019t be looking for reasons to attack someone else. Trust others as you would have others trust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you feel that your trust in others has been too deeply damaged to allow you to trust, then put your trust in your Heavenly Father. Last April, President Russell M. Nelson taught:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please know this: if everything and everyone else in the world whom you trust should fail, Jesus Christ and His Church will <\/em>never<\/em><\/strong> fail you. The Lord never slumbers, nor does He sleep. He \u201cis the same yesterday, today, and [tomorrow].\u201d He will not forsake His covenants, His promises, or His love for His people.<\/em> [\u201cChrist Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains<\/a>,\u201d Liahona,<\/em> May 2021; emphasis in original; quoting Mormon 9:9<\/a>. See also Psalm 121:4<\/a>; Isaiah 54:10<\/a>; 3 Nephi 22:10<\/a>.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is His university. You are His child. He knows you better than anyone. Trust Him completely while you continue to build trust in others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important related element for strengthening the BYU community is respect\u2014that is, respect for every member of the community. One definition of respect<\/em> is \u201can act of \u00adgiving particular attention\u201d; another is \u201cto refrain from interfering with\u201d (Merriam-Webster online \u00addictionary, s.v. \u201crespect<\/a>,\u201d merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/respect). We all want to have the world acknowledge that we exist\u2014we want to be seen and recognized, not ignored. In addition, we want people to refrain from interfering in our lives and trying to micromanage us. Respect can be shown by both acknowledging others and listening to them. Showing respect is showing trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Showing respect is a learned attribute that requires intentionality to develop. We spend most of our teenage years trying to become independent from our parents. Anxious to exercise our own agency and grateful to finally be able to decide things for ourselves, our independence can grow inadvertently into an attitude of disrespect. When we disrespect someone, we fail to acknowledge them or we resist listening to their ideas and opinions, sometimes fearing that they are trying to control us. Disrespect separates and divides. Respect unites and strengthens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In your present life stage, most of you need to intentionally develop the ability to respect others in the community. The truth that we are all children of God is the foundation for respect for all, supported by the Savior\u2019s admonition to love our brothers and sisters as ourselves (see Matthew 22:39<\/a>). Work hard to see and acknowledge others and respect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When I think of what respect for others looks and feels like, I think of an experience from the life of President James E. Faust. On one occasion after he had been called as a General Authority, then Elder Faust, his wife, and two family members decided to attend a session at the Washington DC Temple. His son recalled that after they had arrived and entered the temple, his father<\/p>\n\n\n\n presented his recommend, which<\/em> [was] a special one issued to the General Authorities and look<\/em>[ed] somewhat different. The gentleman who was checking recommends did not know what it was and told my father he wouldn\u2019t be able to enter the temple. Rather than embarrassing the man by telling him who he was, Dad politely excused himself and we all left.<\/em> [Marcus G. Faust, quoted in James P. Bell, In the Strength of the Lord: The Life and Teachings of James E. Faust<\/em> (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999), 188]<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am moved by the deep respect that President Faust showed to the man at the recommend desk. President Faust acknowledged and respected him, letting him do his duty as he had been instructed. Because of that respect, President Faust would rather not go in the temple than cause the man embarrassment in front of others. So, as a fellow disciple, President Faust did the respectful thing: he thanked the man and left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any action of any member of a community has an effect upon the other members of that community. A choice by one community member to intentionally violate the standards of the community disrespects the other members of the community. One who belittles or demeans one member of the community disrespects the entire community. When our primary interest becomes promoting a personal agenda at the expense of the community mission, the mission of the entire community is diminished. Although those behaviors may be acceptable and even common in the world, they ignore the principle of respect. As a result, we live in a world in which everyone is looking for respect but few are willing to show it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Listen to the respect exemplified in this quote in a recent conference address by Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the general Relief Society presidency:<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Community of Scholars and Saints<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Role of the Holy Ghost<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trust<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Respect Other Members of the Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n