Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve gave a devotional highlighting the four banners of Christlike attributes to BYU students, faculty and staff on Jan. 21.
Amidst heightened political times and sensitivity, Elder Stevenson encouraged BYU students to carry the flag of peacemakers, understanding, restoration and engagement.
“As disciples of Christ, we are His ensign. We develop and display His attributes to honor, respect and glorify him. We can wave a variety of flags demonstrating Christlike behavior,” Elder Stevenson said.
The first flag of Christlike attribute Elder Stevenson spoke about was being a peacemaker. He quoted President Russell M. Nelson as to why peacemakers are needed in today's day and age reminding viewers that true disciples of Christ uplift and encourage one another.
Elder Stevenson also shared Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s teaching of the parable of the Good Samaritan to highlight the important aspects of being a peacemaker. Peacemakers, like the Good Samaritan, don’t stop to help those in need and ask what will happen to them because of it, but instead will wonder what would happen to the person if they do not stop to help.
“A peacemaker must consider the needs of the other as much or more than their own. This perspective of a peacemaker not only calls for individual responsibility but also underscores the connection of all people,” Elder Stevenson said.
Peacemaking is an attribute directly encouraged by Jesus Christ, Elder Stevenson said. He encouraged listeners to remember to make the effort of peacemaking when encountering anybody even if views and beliefs differed.
“On a hill above the Sea of Galilee, Jesus Christ himself warmly encouraged this attribute with a blessing and a promise: 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God,'” Elder Stevenson said.
To introduce the next banner, Elder Stevenson explained how peacemaking requires understanding.
“In addition to our wisdom, we add the help of the Holy Ghost through our prayers of faith, asking for spiritual guidance and strength. Then, and only then, do we reach an understanding in our hearts—which motivates us to ‘do what is right,” Elder Stevenson said.
Understanding should be intertwined in the ways we communicate, he said.
Elder Stevenson explained the importance of becoming an active listener. Listening should consume over half of a conversation instead of just hearing and then responding, he added.
Elder Stevenson referred back to President Nelson when explaining how understanding will help lessen contentions on differing views. Understanding will help bridge divides, weather that be differing politics or social views.
Building bridges of understanding, as President Nelson puts it, will help foster respect for every one of God’s children.
“We should practice–to perfect traits of understanding in the way we communicate. This especially includes the ongoing challenge of becoming active listeners, truly listening to understand, not just to respond,” Elder Stevenson said
The third flag of discipleship Elder Stevenson spoke of was the Flag of Restoration. Carrying the Flag of Restoration means to proudly share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
He recited Matthew 5:14, reiterating how disciples of Jesus Christ are the light of the world and how they should let their light shine to allow others to see their good works and glorify Heavenly Father.
“Carrying the flag of the Restoration embodies everything that you are,” Elder Stevenson said. “Sons and daughters of loving heavenly parents, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, active participants on the covenant path. Each of these roles are magnified, enabled or made possible by the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.”
"Love, share and invite" is an initiative Elder Stevenson has spoken about before and spoke of again in his devotional to help push the understanding of the importance of carrying the Flag of Restoration.
“Gratefully, the Savior’s admonition can be accomplished through simple, easily understandable principles taught to each of us from childhood: love, share, and invite,” Elder Stevenson said. “I have spoken about this in general conference, and here I reiterate again. These three simple precepts are a wonderful way for us to proudly and boldly carry the banner of the Restoration.”
Elder Stevenson praised this generation on their outward expression of love on social media and the constant imagery of hearts flooding phone screens.
He also acknowledged how easily loved things such as places, art and quotes are shared for all to see. Elder Stevenson asked for listeners to also share what they love about the gospel of Jesus Christ just as easily.
"Sharing isn’t about “selling” the gospel. You don’t have to write a sermon or correct someone’s incorrect perceptions,” Elder Stevenson said. “You’ve heard me say this before: When it comes to missionary work, God doesn’t need you to be His sheriff; He does, however, ask that you be his sharer. By sharing our positive experiences in the gospel with others, we wave the ensign of the Restoration.”
Lastly, Elder Stevenson encouraged the audience to invite along with loving and sharing to keep the banner of the restoration held high.
The last Flag of Discipleship laid out by Elder Stevenson was the Falg of Engagement. He encouraged listeners to be active and involved in good causes big or small.
He explained how being involved can leave a lasting impact and those served. Holding the Flag of Engagement helps disciples of Christ remember to keep the second great commandment, love your neighbor.
“You see, engagement leaves a lasting impact in the hearts of those you serve and sometimes even in the hearts of entire communities. We hope you will engage in good causes whatever they may be. Boldly carry the banner of engagement,” Elder Stevenson said.
Being involved can leave a lasting impact and those served, he said. Holding the Flag of Engagement helps disciples of Christ remember to keep the second great commandment, love your neighbor.
To conclude his devotional, Elder Stevenson invited listeners to carry the banners of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to carry His banner of Peacemaking, understanding, restoration and engagement.
“Carry them with enthusiasm, carry them with dignity and as pure vessels, sons and daughters of our loving Heavenly Father,” Elder Stevenson said.