April 11, 2025, 9:23pm MDT
One purpose of mortality is to acquire knowledge, and the Heavenly Father gives his child the agency of how to use it, said Elder John C. Pinley Jr., general authorities of 70.
“We can prioritize pursuing secular outcomes such as material possessions, excellence, and position. However, these outcomes may provide personal satisfaction, but often undermine what is most important.”
On Friday, April 11th, thousands of BYU-IDAHO alumni, their family and friends gathered at the BYU-I Center in Rexburg, Idaho, to begin the winter 2025.
Of the 2,542 alumni, 763 are online students and 859 have started their studies as world students at BYU -Pathway. The university awarded 2,072 bachelor’s degrees and 470 associate’s degrees. At the ceremony, a total of 479 graduates said they had begun their education at age 30 and above.
Like the guest speaker, Elder Pingley pointed out that graduates can take with them to “go out to serve” like their Savior Jesus Christ after graduation.
1. God has a plan for each of his children
The Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness applies collectively to everyone, but “he has individual personal challenges for each of us,” Elder Pingley said.
This plan is gradually revealed and may not be in line with the plans you have in mind.
During graduate school, Elder Pingley was given the job opportunity he had long wanted. He then felt a strong urge to not accept the position and decided to follow spiritual advice along with his wife, Sister Anne Pinley.
Elder Pingley said he didn’t fully understand why he was led from the job opportunities he wanted, but they trusted that the Heavenly Father’s plan was the best.
“God’s plan for each of his children is designed and meaningful in God’s eyes,” he said. “When you and I promise to follow God’s plan for us and serve others, he will make it possible for us to accomplish great things.”
2. God wants his children to bless others
In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin recorded that he was “kept and preserved” by the Lord’s hand to serve “with all the power, heart, and strength the Lord gave me” (Mossiah 2:11).
Elder Pingley said, “Like King Benjamin, we have been protected and preserved by the power of God to serve his children.”
Focusing on other people’s needs requires intentional effort. “When we deliberately see life experiences through the lens of helping others, the Lord presents us with an opportunity to serve us,” he said.
3. God strengthens his children and accomplishes great things
“When Joshua was appointed by the Lord to take on Moses’ responsibility, he must have felt inadequate,” Elder Pingley said.
But the Lord reassured him.
Joshua accomplished great things with God’s power, including leading Israel across the Jordan River and renewing his covenant with the Lord.
“When we devote ourselves to following God’s plan for us and serving others, he empowers us. Even when we face obstacles, we can be sure we can accomplish what he wants us to do.”
A perfect example of Christ of these principles
Elder Pingley ultimately said that Jesus Christ was a perfect example of these principles. “He followed his father’s plan. He served others. As a result, his father led and strengthened him to fulfill his divine mission.”
The Savior served others perfectly in his home, in his church and in his community, Elder Pingley said.
He honored his Heavenly Father throughout his life and cared for his family by ensuring the happiness of his mother, Mary, before he died on the cross. He served in his church by preaching the gospel and healing many. And he served the community by building relationships beyond social divisions and providing relief to those in the struggle.
“We may feel that God’s plan for us is less important than others. But he reassures us: “I work for you” (Moses 1:6). ”
“It was called the light to the world”
BYU – A simple thing to say at the start of IDAHO was President Meredith. President Meredith strengthened the university’s mission to cultivate disciples of Jesus Christ, who leads his home, church and community.
“You have the opportunity to serve, guide and bless many who share the blessings of this university through you and through you.”
He testified to President Russell M. Nelson at the general meeting a week ago. “The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs of us.”
President Meredith said, “You are the light to the world and you are called to reflect his light in what you are doing and how you do it.”
