By Addiana C Olson
Elder Earl C. Tingey, member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, told students to develop six divine patterns to aid in eternal progression Sunday, May 5 at the CES Fireside broadcast from Mesa, Ariz.
The patterns he outlined are moral purity, keeping the Sabbath day holy, paying tithes and offerings, serving in the church whenever called, excelling in education and preparing for the future, and developing a pattern that will lead to accepting the responsibilities of celestial marriage.
'Decisions develop habits or patterns,' Elder Tingey said. 'It is important that you know at your age and experience in life how to establish patterns that lead to eternal happiness.'
Elder Tingey, who also serves as the executive director of the Missionary Department, counseled young adults to obtain a copy of the 'For the Strength of Youth' pamphlet.
'This pamphlet contains standards that will keep your minds and your bodies clean from the sins of the world,' Elder Tingey said. 'Now, while this pamphlet is directed towards the youth, it would do well for each of you as young adults to follow the outstanding instructions.'
Not studying is part of observing the Sabbath, Elder Tingey said.
'If you''re not careful, you will find that quietly and silently you begin to violate the sacred Sabbath,' Elder Tingey said. 'And soon you will establish your own pattern, which will not be the Lord''s pattern.'
The training learned while performing church service can apply to areas outside of church.
'I have had greater leadership training from church service than from professional employment,' Elder Tingey said. 'That is a wonderful byproduct of regular church service.'
No matter how small or large the calling, Elder Tingey said students should accept the call and serve.
Elder Tingey told students to take advantage of opportunities for education.
'It is one thing to be in a good university, but another to have good grades,' Elder Tingey said. 'The social aspects of a university are important but be careful that they do not overshadow the key purposes of you being there and that is to secure an education.'
Because of the events of Sept. 11, there are not just rumors of war, there is war, Elder Tingey said, and young men should be prepared to serve in the military if needed.
'I feel that we should be prepared for whatever future lies before us,' Elder Tingey said. 'It is not unlikely that conditions in this world of ours will require some of you to serve in the military.'
The most important pattern in life will be the one that leads to celestial marriage, Elder Tingey said.
'It is important that you establish a pattern whereby you are open and willing to move forward into this wonderful association of husband and wife that you be sealed in an eternal relationship that we call eternal marriage,' Elder Tingey said.
Elder Tingey also said an honest tithing of one-tenth of all income will lead to future blessings as will an honest fast offering.
The CES Fireside will be rebroadcast May 12 on Channel 11 at 6 and 11 a.m.