"You must get the gospel into your heart and soul so deeply that you are a different person when you return to your home; the kind of a person who can immediately begin to contribute; to strengthen your family, your community and the Kingdom of God that is growing in your native country; the kind of person who will never forsake covenants or even relax in their obedience," said Alan S. Layton, President of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Layton addressed students and faculty at a devotional held Tuesday, February 16, in the Cannon Activities Center.
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is one of the principles he emphasized: "One of the ways we can show Heavenly Father our gratitude for His abundant blessings is by the payment of an honest tithing. This is a wonderful principle. In one of the last sermons President Hinckley gave, in 2007 just before his passing, he said: 'The payment of tithing is a test of our faithfulness and loyalty. With the payment of tithing have come innumerable blessings. It is an opportunity to prove our faithfulness.' "
"Another important principle that I hope you carry home with you is this: No matter where you are called to serve, no matter who extends the call, accept it, embrace it and magnify it. Never think that you are too smart or too experienced or too busy or too talented to serve in a small or obscure calling. There is no such thing as an unimportant calling," said Layton.
Continuing, he stated, "Last, and most importantly, may I offer what should be the most important blessing you take with you as you return to your homes. That blessing would be a solid personal testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, that He lives, and He knows you more personally than you know any friend or spouse or member of your family."
--Photo by Monique Saenz
Click here to view the full transcript of Alan S. Layton's devotional.