Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of Quorum of the Twelve, addressed an audience of Education Week attendees in the Marriott Center on Aug. 19.
Elder Gong's devotional marked the beginning of Education Week on BYU campus, a week where hundreds of participants from around the country and the world, gather to listen to speakers speak on gospel centered topics in a week long class-style format.
“Heavenly Father can bless us with all wisdom and understanding, especially as we diligently desire, and seek them," Elder Gong said.
In his devotional address, he spoke on generative AI in today's world in a gospel context.
He remarked that AI resources should be an enhancement in church members' lives and church practices, but should not retract from members' "independent moral guidance."
“As a creation of God, man can create AI, but AI cannot create God. We are, or should be, primarily a source of His truth and love," Elder Gong said.
BYU's Education Week 2025 is expected to draw more than 17,000 attendees, two of which are Utah locals Chris and Emily Cox.
“My favorite part of education week is that it’s not always the exact message that speaks to me but it’s a conduit for whatever message I need at that moment,” Emily Cox said.
Chris Cox remarked that his favorite aspect of Elder Gong's devotional was the spirit that he brought as a servant of God.
“That’s the beautiful thing of a BYU devotional with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It’s inspirational, it's motivational and primarily just foundational for our faith,” Cox said.
After explaining the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from God rather than artificial intelligence, Elder Gong addressed a unique responsibility.
“We have responsibility to ensure the Holy Ghost can attest to the truth and authenticity of all we share, and all we say,” he said.
Elder Gong promised the attendees that, "Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, see, know and love you. They know everything about you and love you all the more.”
Elder Gong closed his devotional with an invitation to keep the week's classes personal to them.
“No matter what else you hear today, I hope you will hear that in His time and way, every glorious blessing in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is meant personally for you."