Elder Michael A. Dunn of the Seventy spoke about making “the implausible, possible” through the Atonement of Jesus Christ at a BYU devotional on March 4.
Elder Dunn shared how his mind was awakened after attending the musical adaptation of the book “Don Quixote” with his grandmother at the age of thirteen.
The protagonist, Don Quixote, was branded a fool as he set off on a quest to defend righteousness. The story unsettled Elder Dunn’s young mind and prompted him to start thinking about his place in the world.
“Believers and doers with the courage to do noble deeds, champion 'big ideas,' and make the impossible possible are still sorely needed,” Elder Dunn said. “But to really make a difference in the world, we have to live it … fully vested in the cause, come what may.”
Quixote’s example illustrates the importance of making sure our focus is our priority, he said.
“Keep your focus on matters within your control and let go of those which shimmer but in reality are counterfeit. Refuse to seek treasure where there is only trash. And be assured that, 'whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world,'" he said, quoting Ether 12:4 in the Book of Mormon.
Elder Dunn cautioned students against putting their time and energy into things that are trivial and inconsequential.
We must stay focused on our divine quest, even in a world that mocks it as a “fool’s errand,” he added.
“Thus, if my deep love for Jesus Christ along with yours makes us 'fools for Christ’s sake,' then this is one time that I urge you from this day on to join me in making complete fools of yourselves," Elder Dunn said.
Elder Dunn quoted Luke 1:37 and urged the students to remain faithful and to rely on God, with whom "nothing is impossible.”
Elder Dunn closed his remarks with his testimony.
“As you transform your life to more fully embrace this most majestic of all causes, I urge you to become an even more devout 'fool for Christ’s sake,' while remaining determined in your quest to see and shape a world of iron into a world of gold,” he said.