“While it is true that each one of God’s children is unique, and shaped by a distinctive set of experiences, it is also true that we have one most significant attribute in common — we all are God’s children, we all are brothers and sisters,” said Elder Uchtdorf during the annual BYU Education Week devotional on Tuesday, August 17th
1. Move toward the light
When Elder Uchtdorf was an airline captain, he usually flew his Boeing 747 from Germany all the way to the West Coast of the United States and back. On many of those flights across many oceans and continents, Dieter F. Uchtdorf noticed when he flew west, the daylight seemed never to end. But when he flew east the sunset came back more rapidly.
“Whether I traveled west or east, the sun never changed course,” Elder Uchtdorf spoke. “It held its position, steadfast in the heavens, providing warmth and light to the earth.”
This access to that warmth and light he felt and experienced all depended on his location, direction and speed. Just like the sun, God never changes, retreats or alters course. “But we do,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
During all periods of times when we feel as if we are in darkness,we can always be reassured that God, just like the sun, is always there. He will never abandon or leave us.
2. You are better than you think you are
“Even the most successful among us need this message from time to time,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
In the Old Testament, Gideon who was a hero and warrior thought of himself as an ordinary farmer, but an angel of the Lord spoke him and told him that with the Lord’s help, he would help liberate his people from a conquering nation (Judges 6-7).
Jeremiah believed he was extremely too young to be a prophet. Moses doubted himself because he was slow of speech. Enoch felt inadequate to preach repentance unto the world.
“The Lord often accomplishes the most with those who feel the least accomplished,” Elder Uchtdorf spoke.
In this dispensation, God took a young, unschooled farm boy and made him into the latter-day Prophet who began “the marvelous work and a wonder.”
“Perhaps, at times, we see ourselves as a little less than we are. Unworthy. Untalented. Nothing special. Lacking the heart, mind, resources, charisma or stature to be of much use to God.”
Quoting the words of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:26–29), Dieter F. Uchtdorf said the Lord chooses the humble and meek because they are humble and meek! He doesn’t choose those that are prideful.
“In this way, there is never a question regarding the reason for their success. These wonderful, ordinary people accomplish great things not because of who they are, but because of who God is.”
God will take an individuals’ talents, abilities, words and actions and use them to bless multitudes. God does not need or desire people who are flawless, Elder Uchtdorf explained, but those who will offer their heart and a willing mind to serve him.
“That’s a message we all need to hear,” he declared.
3. Learn how to love God and your neighbor
When a Pharisee asked Christ what the greatest commandment is, “He established once and for all what our priorities as individuals and as a Church should be: Love God. Love your neighbor,” Elder Uchtdorf spoke.
These two commandments are the very core of the gospel and should always be the center of every effort as disciples of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Elder Uchtdorf said that it is usually easy to get caught up in many things. “Even good things can distract us from our primary purpose.”
All Latter-day Saints should beware the mistakes made by the Pharisees who compiled lots rules and commandments but they“lost sight of the center.”
They are branches of the tree, but they are not the tree,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
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