“I would like to speak about your becoming builders – builders of strong marriages and faithful families; builders of wonderful communities and successful careers; and builders of the kingdom of God.” This was the advice given by President Steven C. Wheelwright in the opening Devotional of the summer semester at BYU–Hawaii. His main focus was to highlight the third element of the Learn-Lead-Build mission of the university by teaching the principles of “Building Now for Eternity.”
Using three principles found in the scriptures and through the revelation of modern day prophets, President Wheelwright addressed the fundamentals of building a life “filled with the peace and joy the Savior has promised.”
The first principle was Building a Firm Foundation. “For us personally, the scriptures make it abundantly clear that the only sure foundation – a foundation that cannot fall - is one built on the Savior and His gospel,” said President Wheelwright. “Thus whether building a marriage, a family, a community or the kingdom of God, we must build on that sure foundation. And we develop and strengthen that foundation by applying such daily habits as prayer, scripture study and obedience. These in turn strengthen our faith in the Savior and tie us firmly to His gospel.”
The second theme he addressed was Building Now for Eternity. “Building now for eternity requires that the quality of the materials, ideas and values applied in whatever you build will be worthy of your good name and reputation and the talents with which the Lord has blessed you. It also means not compromising or cutting corners at any point in the process.” He continued by promising, “When we build now for eternity, and do so on the sure foundation of the Savior and His gospel, the things we build will have the ability to continue on into eternity.”
The final principle shared by President Wheelwright was that of Building a Life that is Fitly Framed. “When building an aspect of your personal life – whether a marriage, a family, a career, a community, or the kingdom – this principle enables each aspect both individually and collectively to withstand every challenge. By being “fitly framed together” each aspect is tied to that sure foundation which cannot fall whatever storms or circumstances may come. As we hear the Savior’s words received through His prophets, heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and then choose to bind ourselves to Him and His gospel, we become fitly framed and will merit all that He has promised.”
President Wheelwright closed by saying, “My hope is that you will go forth committed to build on that sure foundation of Jesus Christ, that you will consistently build for eternity, and that through your thoughts and actions, all aspects of your life will be fitly framed together and tied to that sure foundation.”