“Given what needs to be accomplished, time is something you really don’t have a lot of here at BYU-Hawaii.” Alfred Grace, president of the Laie Hawaii Married Student Stake, focused on the way time is spent and how daily choices affect the final destination of life in his May 8 BYU–Hawaii Devotional address.
“Many of us are walking a fine line between making it, and not making it.” Stressing the importance of actions, President Grace continued, “Let me share with you some suggestions in coping with this very important part of your journey home. And please remember this one piece of cold hard reality: if you want to do well here, the care-free days of adolescence are now behind you.”
Acting in an age appropriate manner is not enough. President Grace reminded the audience of the impact priorities have on the outcome of life. “I am convinced these problems existed in Lehi’s family, continue to exist today and will do so in the future, simply because we as individuals and families fail to put the time and effort into building a strong spiritual foundation. Simply put, we fail to put God first.”
Using the Parable of the Ten Virgins as support, he illustrated the harm that befalls those that are not constantly aligning their will with the Lord’s. The spiritual foundation that is slowly added upon by daily actions that are in harmony with Heavenly Father’s plan cannot be manufactured at the last minute. President Grace warned “even when we are moving in the right direction and doing the right things, the adversary is very adept at distracting us, especially if we are overly reliant on others for our spiritual strength.”
To develop our spiritual strength, President Grace used the example of good, better and best that Elder Oaks taught and adapted it to life at BYU–Hawaii. “It is good to see you here on campus and around the community, it is better to see you in Sacrament, Sunday School, Priesthood and Relief Society meetings on Sunday, but it is best to see you in the House of the Lord. While for some the cost of living worthy to enter the temple may seem high, the value absolutely makes it the best choice of all.”
President Grace concluded his address highlighting the potential in the current generation. “Yes there will always be temptations, trials and tribulations, but you are a ‘royal army,’ a ‘chosen generation.’ You have been given much, and so much is expected of you.”
To read or watch this devotional click here.