Elder Neil L Andersen encourages BYU students to reflect on personal testimonies of Jesus Christ
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to BYU campus today, Tuesday, September 15. In his devotional, he encouraged listeners to become rooted in their personal testimonies.Elder Andersen’s focus specifically revolved around the word “settle.” He explained his inspiration for the use of this word came from a scripture within the Book of Luke from Joseph Smith’s translation of the New Testament. The scripture reads: "Wherefore, settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you.”
Elder Andersen introducing his topic to a crowd of BYU participants in the Marriott Center. He encouraged the crowd to think about their personal testimonies of Jesus Christ. (Kristin Bateman)
Elder Andersen defined the word “settle” and then asked the audience, “As a Latter-day Saint, what does it mean to have your faith in Jesus Christ and your devotion to the restored gospel 'settled in your heart?' For me, it means that you have spiritually weighed the blessings and sacrifices of following Jesus Christ and exercising your precious will and agency, you have determined, you have chosen in your mind and spirit, that this will absolutely be the path your life will take.”Elder Andersen then illustrated his thoughts through several different examples from his own life of becoming settled in a testimony. He spoke of his mission and of his time at BYU, relating to the current students on campus.Elder Andersen then addressed the students directly, explaining that the world is a confusing place, full of commotion. He used Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” as an example of all of the many choices the students are faced with everyday.“In your world of complexity, Robert Frost might rewrite his poem: ‘One hundred roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel them all, long I stood.’ With so many choices and alluring paths before you, it will require strength of heart and mind to boldly, without distraction or deception, 'settle this in your heart' and walk the road less traveled toward the Savior," Andersen said.
Elder Andersen reciting Robert Frost's poem in front of an illustration of the poem's path. He shared the poem to emphasize the challenges that come with agency, especially in our complicated world today. (Kristin Bateman)
Elder Andersen continued by reminding the audience that having a testimony does not mean having all the answers. He emphasized that reason and revelation go hand in hand, but ultimately have different purposes. He used a quote from President Dallin H. Oak’s book "The Lord’s Way." “Reason screens revelation and revelation confirms or overrules reason. Reason has the first word; revelation has the last word.”Elder Andersen then gave the audience two ways to apply his teachings to their lives. First, think more about Jesus Christ, and second, fully embrace the teachings of the Book of Mormon. He demonstrated these ideas through a story of a General Authority named Robert E. Sackley — who as a young man was an elite Australian commando in World War II.He shared a story of Sackley reading a scripture within the Book of Mormon about turning to God and becoming more like Jesus Christ while recovering from an injury."That one scripture opened his heart to this sacred book and it transformed his life. The Book of Mormon has transformed my life. It has transformed many of your lives. I promise you that the Book of Mormon has the power, should you desire, to solidify your faith in Jesus Christ and your personal commitment to the restored gospel. It is absolutely true and sacred scripture," Andersen said.Elder Andersen’s closing remarks centered around the benefits of having a settled testimony in your heart, including freedom, spiritual power and a better understanding of the purpose of life.“As a special witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare with a sureness and knowledge that He who we worship and adore, Jesus Christ, is the light and life of the world. He lives. He is the Central Being of all human history. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I love Him and thank Him for the confirmation I have been given," Andersen said.He closed with a blessing over the students, encouraging them to settle their own testimonies and promising them greater happiness, spiritual understanding and more.
Elder Andersen greeting BYU students after his remarks. He walked across several rows of the arena and shook hands with several students. (Kristin Bateman)
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