Darron Billeter, an associate professor within the BYU Marriott School of Business, taught students the importance of learning of the Savior in his devotional address on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Billeter said, to progress, students must continue to learn, which will bring meaning to students’ lives and help students become who they are meant to become.
He recounted a time as a BYU undergraduate student when he visited the Garden of Gethsemane during his study abroad in Jerusalem. A gardener allowed Billeter to pray alone in the garden and ponder Christ’s Atonement.
“I think the Savior wants each one of us to metaphorically spend time in the garden, learning how the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to us personally,” Billeter said. “The gate that leads to His strength, His healing, His love and His guidance is wide open to us if we choose to learn of Him.”
Billeter listed three ways for students to learn of Jesus Christ: listen to His words, develop meekness and serve others.
Listen to His words
Billeter said the Holy Ghost can confirm truths and build faith when students listen to Christ’s teachings.
He explained an experience when an unknown arsonist set fire to his stake center. Instead of feeling hatred towards the person responsible, he remembered Christ’s teaching to love one’s enemies. He even asked his stake to pray for the person to find peace.
“I learned that the Savior cherishes each of His children,” he said. “His words changed my heart, brought peace and gave me strength to turn the matter over to Him.”
Billeter then explained how Christ told Joseph Smith that his struggles in Liberty Jail would be for his good.
“As the Savior taught the Prophet, all of our experiences and our learning can be consecrated to helping us become more like the Savior,” he said. “His words can enlighten us and can bring all things together for our good.”
Develop meekness
To learn of the Savior, Billeter said students must soften their hearts and be willing to change. Meekness, according to Elder David A. Bednar, requires righteousness, self-restraint, courageousness, grace, strength and a receptiveness to the teachings of the Holy Ghost.
Billeter described an experience with failure in his work, and he consistently received critical feedback. After he received a priesthood blessing to find comfort, Christ taught him to thank his critical boss for helping him learn and progress. As Billeter kept working and improving, his work was eventually recognized and opened opportunities for him in his career.
“Whether you are working at learning a new concept in a required class, focused on developing a Christlike attribute or have just begun making covenants with the Lord, I hope you will persist,” he said. “Keep trying. Keep striving. There is hope. Whatever you do, don't give up on things that are really good and really important for your eternal progress. You are not alone in your learning.”
Billeter said students can pray to Christ for guidance and comfort through life’s challenges. Christ desires for students to let the Holy Ghost guide them.
Serve others
Billeter said Heavenly Father sent Christ to earth to serve others through His Atonement and His ministering. Students can learn about Christ by serving like He did.
Billeter then told a story of a man he once ministered to. The man, Paul, grew up with an abusive mother who had passed away, and he forgave her before she passed even though the experience still hurt him. A few weeks after Paul told Billeter this story, he asked Billeter to help him complete family history and temple work for his mother.
“I will never forget that morning in the baptismal font at the temple and the Spirit we felt as he stood in the water with my wife and performed the baptism for his mom,” Billeter said. “My wife Robyn and I, we felt grateful to witness Paul’s beautiful discovery that the Lord could heal his relationship with his mom through temple service.”
He invited students to look for opportunities to serve those who may need an act of kindness and support. He then encouraged students to spend time in the temple which will allow Christ to teach and comfort them.
“We see the joy of our Heavenly Father's plan and the central role of the Savior's atonement,” Billeter said. “We learn about our relationship to God the Father and His Son. Time in the temple is one of the best antidotes for avoiding unproductive distractions and finding answers to our problems.”
Students can receive blessings and healing by attending the temple, Billeter said.
Billeter concluded his address by explaining if students learn of Christ and His teachings, they can feel Christ’s love for them and receive His blessings.