Elder Jon M. Huntsman Sr., founder and chairman of the Huntsman Corporation and Area Seventy, said in the Tuesday devotional that adversity can help shape people of integrity.

Elder Huntsman opened his message by giving students a reason to continue.

“God did not put us on this earth to fail,” Elder Huntsman said. “It is totally up to you what you become. The footprint we will leave in this life is based entirely on our motivation.”

Through trials and hardships it is easy to get discourage, but, adversity is the means for growth.

“We must face adversity head on and conquer any obstacles in our path,” Elder Huntsman said. “Contrary to public opinion, there is much to learn from the lessons of our times. Adversity determines our character.”

Elder Huntsman emphasized the importance of integrity. 

He said he was surprised when in an interview for a position as a White House desk secretary, he was asked if he was a full-tithe payer. He responded that he was honored to always have paid a full tithe.

The interviewer said although he knew little about the church, he knew if Huntsman was a full-tithe payer, he would be a man of integrity. Elder Hunstman was given the position.

“It was a humble experience to know the priesthood not only brings the blessings of heaven, but can also bring the honor of men,” he said.

Elder Huntsman gave a list of priorities that should be most important in life. 

First is an eternal spouse; second, eternal children; third, loyalty to a profession; fourth, a church calling; fifth, personal fitness and health.

Through prioritizing and looking to Christ for comfort, motivation and determination will come.

“You have the power to accomplish great things,” Elder Huntsman said. “Never deny yourself the right to reach your individual dreams.”

While being one of the most influential and wealthy men in Utah, Elder Huntsman emphasized money should not be a motivator.

“Never let the accumulation of money drive your dreams,” Elder Huntsman said. “Let the opportunity to serve others give you strength to continue.”

David Knell, a senior majoring in English, from Gaithersburg, Md., was extremely impressed by the devotional.

“I loved it. I thought it was one of the most inspiring and powerful devotionals,” Knell said. “To have someone so successful while being strongly rooted in the church is completely qualified to lay down the path of success.”