President Samuelson and Sister Samuelson welcomed students to a new school year during the first Devotional of the semester.
Sister Samuelson spoke first on the importance of gratitude to the Lord. She started by sharing the story of the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus Christ. Only one leper went back and thanked their master for the miracle, while the other nine never returned. Sister Samuelson urged students to be like that one grateful leper and not the other nine who “thought only of themselves and not the source of their happiness.”
She continued by asking everyone to count all their blessings and be thankful to God in all circumstances.
“It’s not having what you like, but liking what you have,” she said.
Sister Samuelson finished her portion of the Devotional by encouraging students to find their individual talents and gifts.
“It is your responsibility to recognize and use those talents,” she said. Furthermore, she said she believes that after students discover their talents given by God, they must, in return, be grateful for each gift.
President Samuelson followed his wife by welcoming students to their unique opportunity at BYU. He shared the example of the Book of Mormon figure Zeniff, the Nephite whose over zealous behavior led to poor decisions that ultimately hurt himself and others.
“We admire courageous leaders. Without zeal, we would not have this nation and the gospel would not have been restored,” he said.
However, he warned students to be careful that they not be too strong, stubborn or selfish in their endeavors. He said politics and sports are two areas today that are more prone to overzealous behavior. President Samuelson invited students to participate in both interests, but to do so in a considerate and respectful manner.
He discussed the importance of measuring carefully one’s words to others.
“One should never hurt others by being overzealous,” he said.
He concluded by describing the importance of education at BYU and the opportunity to grow in the gospel. He said students must take course work seriously and that “if finding your mate is your only concern, then BYU is not the place for you.”
At the same time, he said, alumni around the world regularly tell him they are most grateful for having found a spouse while at BYU. Second, he said, they are grateful for what they have learned about Church service. Only then do they express their gratitude for career preparation, President Samuelson said.
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