Using stories, and toys as visual aids, Elder Eric G. Stephan, a Service Missionary in the Religion Department, spoke 22 March 2007, at the weekly BYU-Hawaii university devotional.
As a young missionary in Samoa, Elder Stephan overheard a conversation between another missionary and LeGrand Richards. The elder was frustrated and angry at the treatment he and his companion had received at the hands of some villagers. He wanted to shake the dust off his feet and curse the village.
Elder Richards responded saying, “Elder, the Spirit of the Lord has been working with these people for years and years; after you leave he will continue to work with these people for years and years. Don’t mess up the work of the Spirit of the Lord for the short time you are here.”
Comparing this experience to incidents that sometime happen between roommates, Elder Stephans advised the students to do four things before reacting: 1) zip your lip; 2) take a deep breath; 3) think a peaceful thought—ask “What would the Savior do?” and then, 4) decide what to do.
Using his “Slammer” toys, Elder Stephan illustrated the difference between the light of Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing the need for each person to communicate with the Lord through prayer.
“Prayer is the most common way we communicate with God,” said Elder Stephan, “and personal revelation is the most common way God communicates with us.”
Referring to recent counsel given by Elder Bednar, Elder Eyring, and Elder Scott, Elder Stephan reminded students that when they receive personal revelation to, "write it down, and then act upon it as quickly as possible.”
“When we respond quickly to the inspiration we receive, the Lord will bless us with more,” said Elder Stephan.
A special arrangement of “O My Father,” performed by David Rainey, accompanied by Dan Bradshaw, helped create a spiritual atmosphere for the event.
