Latter-day Saints have a duty to keep themselves clean in order to be an effective instrument in the hands of God, Darren Duerden, associate professor of music, told the audience at this week's devotional.
Duerden, a seven-year member of BYU-Hawaii's music faculty and talented musician, shared a unique perspective on the scriptural phrase an instrument in the hands of God. "To the musical artist, no possession, at least that can be owned, is more valued than their instrument. It is their voice or medium for expression," he said.
In citing several scriptural instances of this type of phrase, Duerden quoted 2 Nephi 1:24 and stated, "In this scripture, one thing that stands out to me is the fact that father Lehi is so clearly aware, and obviously pleased, of the Lord's use of his son Nephi as an instrument… I believe the relationship between the Lord and His servants (such as Nephi) is somewhat analogous to that of the relationship between a musical artist and his or her prized instrument."
The associate professor explained how servants of God must be clean in order to be effective, as is the case with musical instruments. "Many instruments are auditioned, few are chosen. Quality instruments are not necessarily blemish-free. Some are brand-new, some are very seasoned…all must resonate the sound ideal of the artist's heart in order to be acceptable. Instruments most fully resonate when they are clean."
The second example took the audience's attention to Mosiah 23:9-10. "One thing to be learned from this…is that the repentant soul can be an especially effective instrument in bringing souls unto Christ. Alma was a 'diamond in the rough' missionary that needed to have the corrosion of sin stripped away in order to be effective for the Lord's purposes," Duerden said.
The third example from holy writ came from Alma 26:1-4. "While all three of these references contain similarities and differences, truly the bottom line that I wish to emphasize today is that we understand it is a privilege, and indeed a blessing, and desirable for us to be used as an instrument in God's hands," Duerden explained.
Toward the end of his remarks, Duerden reemphasized the importance of being clean. He suggested to audience members they memorize an unfamiliar hymn and become familiar with its teachings to dispel temptation. "May we find an increased capacity to utilize sacred hymns to both enrich our lives through joyous praise and to help us in the battle against the adversary."
Speaking generally, Brother Duerden said that doing these things will help any individual become an effective instrument. "…If we are to be instrumental in His work, He needs to become an instrumental part of our work. I believe the Lord truly wishes for all of us to be a part of His heavenly orchestra," he said.
"It is our duty…to keep these earthly instruments clean and well-mained so that when the Savior gestures His heavenly cues, we are able in those opportune moments to resonate the pure doctrine of the Lord."
:: Listen to Brother Duerden's devotional address here.
:: View video excerpts from Dr. Duerden's devotional address
:: Read the transcript of his address, "Becoming an Instrument in His Hands"