Michael B. Bliss, BYU-Hawaii Vice President of Administrative Services, spoke on the significance of following the spirit in our lives and "having a corresponding increase in vision of eternal things" in his March 20 devotional address to the university family.
Bliss' theme, "Come Ye to the Mountain of the Lord," developed as he recounted stories from his past where certain excursions led him to the top of flower mound Texas and Mount Timpanogas in Utah as a scoutmaster. "As I prepared for this devotional, these two experiences dealing with mountains came to mind where height gave such an increase to my distance vision," Bliss said. "Obtaining that view of eternal things is critical to us arriving at our desired destination."
He added, "Direction is critical to our path on the mountain and to our path to eternal life."
"Today we have several sources for the word of God," he said. "We have the scriptures, the modern prophets and the Holy Ghost. This last guide is perhaps the most incredible. His companionship is absolutely critical to our finding the proper path."
Bliss shared the experience of the Prophet Moses when he was caught up to an "exceedingly high mountain." As Moses had been on the top of a mountain, "he had a clear vision of what is required of a person desiring to travel with God."
He also explained how the word "mountain" is commonly used in the scriptures to symbolize a temple. He drew parallels in the sense that as we climb our "symbolic mountain" to get closer to God, it is the same as preparing to enter the temple.
Bliss counseled that we need to constantly use prayer to combat evils in today's world such as foul language, drugs, violence and pornography.
His remarks echoed those made earlier that the Holy Ghost can be a continuous guide and comfort against all of the weapons Satan uses on us. "To avoid being lost on forbidden paths, we need to stay in the mainstream of the Church and follow the iron rod; the scriptures, modern prophets and the Holy Ghost."
"If we are temples to the Lord we can symbolically then also use a mountain to symbolize us," Bliss said. "We can be mountains rising up to Him. The Savior tells us to be examples and uses a light on a hill as a teaching tool."
Quoting Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Bliss said, "These sublime truths will enliven our consciences and stir our dimmed memories of promises made and vows taken, and at those very moments when we would otherwise be pulled from the path."
He added, "Back on the path we can again continue our accent to the mountain. Keep in our mind the promises that we have made and the ones that, in turn, the Lord has made to us. We know He is truthful and the promises will be given."
"We can make our way to stand on the top of our mountain," Bliss said, quoting President Thomas S. Monson. "Gazing into the eternities and looking to our Heavenly Father who waits for us on the Mountain of the Lord."