Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged Brigham Young University students to develop deeply rooted personal testimonies of Jesus Christ during a devotional address on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Speaking at the Marriott Center, Andersen encouraged the audience to "settle" their faith in their hearts to provide spiritual stability amidst the complexities of the modern world.
The Meaning of a Settled Testimony
Defining the concept of a settled testimony, Andersen explained that having faith "settled in your heart" involves a deliberate spiritual process. He stated that for him, this means having spiritually weighed the blessings and sacrifices associated with following Jesus Christ and exercising personal will and agency. He described it as a state where an individual has chosen in both mind and spirit that a specific path will be the absolute direction of their life.
Scriptural Foundations
During his remarks, Andersen referenced a scripture from the Book of Luke within Joseph Smith’s translation of the New Testament to anchor his message. The scripture instructs: "Wherefore, settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you." He used this text to illustrate the necessity of making firm spiritual commitments despite the distractions of contemporary life.
Navigating a Complex World
To illustrate the challenges of modern decision-making, Andersen referenced Robert Frost’s poem "The Road Not Taken." He suggested that in a world characterized by complexity and commotion, the poem might be rewritten to reflect the overwhelming number of choices students face daily. He posited that Frost might say: "One hundred roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel them all, long I stood."
Reason and Revelation
Andersen noted that having a testimony does not require having all the answers, emphasizing that reason and revelation serve different purposes. He cited a quote from President Dallin H. Oak’s book "The Lord’s Way" to explain the relationship between the two, noting that "Reason screens revelation and revelation confirms or overrules reason. Reason has the first word; revelation has the last word."
The Power of the Book of Mormon
The address included a specific recommendation for students to embrace the teachings of the Book of Mormon to solidify their faith. Andersen shared the story of Robert E. Sackley, a former elite Australian commando during World War II, who turned to God while recovering from an injury. Andersen noted that reading a specific scripture in the Book of Mormon during that time transformed Sackley's life, and he promised that the book has the power to transform lives and solidify a personal commitment to the restored gospel.
A Final Blessing
Andersen concluded his address by declaring Jesus Christ as the "light and life of the world" and the "Central Being of all human history." He expressed his personal love for Christ and offered a blessing to the students, promising that settling their testimonies would lead to greater happiness, spiritual understanding, and freedom.
Devotional Context
The devotional was part of the 2026 season of BYU Devotionals. Following his formal remarks, Andersen walked through several rows of the Marriott Center to greet students and shake hands.
