By Felecia Latu
In Tuesday”s Devotional, Nov. 11, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf paralleled the struggles people face in today”s world to the obstacles the Wright brothers faced in their 1903 invention of the airplane.
In a talk titled “Wind beneath my wings,” Elder Uchtdorf, a member of the presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a former airline captain, cited the 100th anniversary celebration of the Wright brothers” invention.
“They went through difficult times of trouble, perplexity and even despair, wondering if they would ever succeed,” he said.
Elder Uchtdorf said their frustrations are the same with frustrations in today”s society, which claims there is too much to do and too little time.
“As you might have similar feelings at times, let me assure you, that you all have reasons to think beyond the horizon of provinciality because you are a royal generation,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
He said although people sometimes get discouraged, they must not fear.
“At BYU, you have favorable circumstances and inspired leaders who will help you to be honest with others and yourself,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
He provided three guiding principles that can be a spiritual guide in decision-making.
Elder Uchtdorf said the Wright brother”s first requirement was to find the power to control the aircraft. Their second goal was to produce lift, and their third goal was to be powered by an engine to stay aloft.
He likened these principles to the gospel and how people need to acquire strength through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to keep in tune with the gospel and its teachings.
“Simple principles and requirements apply to your own journey through life towards the destination of eternal life,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “Divine principles have to be learned and lived as you prepare to rise up on the wings of the eagle.”
Elder Uchtdorf noted that the Wright brothers needed engine power to fly.
“Without true engine power this machine would have remained static; there would have been no lift, no forward motion to enable flight, no airplane,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
He said the powers available for use are from God. He encouraged students to seek these principles through scripture study.
“The scriptures were written for you,” he said. “Feast upon the words of God. It is available 24-7 but should not be treated as a fast food service.”
He also cautioned students against the adversary, saying there must be opposition in all things, including student lives.
“In aerodynamics, gravity and drag work in opposition to lift,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “This same principle has been an integral part of the plan of salvation from the beginning.”
He told students they are free to choose, but they must not be fooled to believe that free agency is really free.
“Agency has its price. You have to pay the consequences of your choices,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “Agency will collect its fee through accountability.”
Elder Uchtdorf concluded his talk by encouraging students to search the scriptures and apply the teachings to their lives.
“The Holy Ghost will be your ”wind beneath your wings,” placing in your hearts the firm conviction of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
