To begin a devotional broadcast to BYU Pathways Worldwide students around the world on Friday, May 8, the organization’s president, President Brian K. Ashton, and his wife, Sister Melinda Ashton, reiterated the love the Lord and His prophets have for each student.
Sitting side by side, President and Sister Ashton drew the theme of their remarks from Church President Dallin H. Oaks’ recent Brigham Young University devotional (streamed to other Church Educational System organizations), emphasizing the warnings given by their predecessor, the late President Russell M. Nelson.
“It is impossible to live spiritually without the guidance, direction, comfort, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,” President Nelson said (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Life,” April 2018 general conference).
Then, Sister Ashton said, President Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “made a surprising statement.” “One of the many reasons why you need the constant influence of the Holy Spirit is that you live in a time when the adversary has become so effective in concealing the truth that without the Holy Spirit you would be deceived.”
Sister Ashton pointed out that those who are deceived believe falsehoods and are unknowingly led into sin and error.
President Ashton assured his students that “as you honestly seek truth in your studies, you will more frequently receive the influence of the Holy Ghost in your life and you will know how to avoid deception.”
learn and become
President Ashton said he shared four things that can help individuals draw closer to the Savior and thereby invite the Holy Ghost into their lives, in fulfillment of the prophecy that the Lord “gives us an example in all things, lest we be deceived” (D&C 52:14).
President Oaks’ four invitations are:
• First, strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ.
• Second, increased humility.
• Third, ask others for help.
• Fourth, be patient.
Sister Ashton said BYU-Pathway time can help students with each of these invitations.
President Ashton said BYU-Pathway’s spiritually-based curriculum is designed to help students develop faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. “Studying also helps you develop daily habits, such as prayer and scripture study, that help you stay close to the Savior throughout your life.”
Sister Ashton said that during the learning process, students can discover how much they don’t know and learn to rely on their omniscient and loving Heavenly Father to acquire the skills and knowledge they need. “These experiences help develop humility.”
President Ashton added that their time at BYU-Pathway also helps students develop righteous, lifelong friendships with knowledgeable people who have similar beliefs and aspirations and who can help them through difficult times.
And the process of getting an education helps individuals learn perseverance, Sister Ashton added. “It is impossible to understand some truths without understanding other fundamental truths from which larger truths are built. For example, you cannot learn algebra without first learning arithmetic. This means that you can only earn a degree by consistent effort over time. This is a process that develops perseverance.”
President Ashton taught that the Holy Ghost is the witness of all truth. “Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we cannot learn the truths and skills we are studying or understand why they are important,” he told his students.
Sister Ashton encouraged the audience to focus on learning and growing. It’s another thing to tick off studying for an assignment or exam. It’s another thing to internalize the truth and learn the skills you need to succeed in life and career.
President Ashton said he was focused on getting good grades while doing the bare minimum of work ahead of his mission to Peru. But after completing my mission, I focused on learning and growing.
“I put in the effort necessary to learn. Naturally, I got better grades. I learned judgment, insight, and leadership. I enjoyed going to school. I felt the Holy Spirit in my life more often, and I was happier.”
President Ashton assured the students that if they focus on learning and growing during their time at BYU-Pathway Worldwide, they will learn to have the Holy Spirit as their constant companion. “You will not be deceived, but you will be honorable, productive, and joyful disciples, spouses, parents, citizens, employees, and leaders.”
Sister Ashton testified, “Our dear BYU Pathway students, the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit is one of the greatest gifts we can receive from our Heavenly Father.”
