Elder Ricardo P. Giménez of the Seventy spoke about the "why" behind spiritual actions, such as praying and reading the scriptures, at a BYU devotional on Feb. 11.
Elder Giménez spoke to listeners about being goal-oriented and shared how spiritual goals should be more meaningful.
“The reason why this is important for me is because I love Him; I love our Savior,” Elder Giménez said. “This is the real and most potent reason why I do what I do, and then connected with this is my love for you, my fellow brothers and sisters.”
When students make goals to read scriptures, it shouldn’t feel like a list of things to be checked off but something done to make connections with the Savior, he said.
“The more we can connect reason with our love for the Savior, the more we will be able to receive what we need or are seeking,” Elder Giménez said.
Elder Giménez encouraged students to remember lessons the Lord has taught — and will continue to teach — through the scriptures.
“As we focus our lives on our Savior, His gospel and His teachings, we will find more joy, peace and hope in our lives," Elder Giménez said. "Joy comes from and because of Him."
The 2025 youth theme, "Look unto Christ," should inspire students to focus on what we do to follow Him, Elder Giménez added.
Elder Giménez invited students to understand why they take spiritual actions. Even if they do not have a “why,” he invited listeners to write down how they felt and make note of what they should stop, start or continue doing until they find answers.
“Please ponder on these thoughts and feelings and decide to act, even if starts with just a desire to believe,” Elder Giménez said.
Elder Giménez closed his remarks with his testimony.
“I love the Savior, and my love for Him is my 'why,'" he said.