Following the example of Jesus Christ by increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man was the theme of a Brigham Young University devotional address Tuesday by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"Using these attributes which described the Savior as he grew to manhood seems to be a good measure for your progress at this special time in your lives," Elder Perry told the students assembled in the BYU Marriott Center Tuesday.He also emphasized the need to follow the university's code of honor, signed by BYU students prior to enrollment.
"I have never sensed in the First Presidency (of the LDS Church) a greater determination to see that the standards are maintained here. The pressures and pleadings of honest, faithful members to have their sons and daughters come to this university continue in ever-increasing numbers, knowing full well that thousands will be turned away because enrollment caps must be met. This only intensifies the need that standards are maintained as the only fair policy which can or ought to be followed," he said.
Elder Perry talked about the importance of nourishing the physical body and soul in close association.
"Recognizing the privilege of presently having body and spirit associated together, let us examine the other three attributes associated with the Savior's early development. He increased in wisdom . . . in favor with man. . . . And Jesus increased in favor with God," he said.
Elder Perry challenged the students "to learn to appreciate the power and potential of your heads. Get out of your comfort zone. Extend your vision. Experience the satisfaction which comes from real, earned accomplishment. Use the foundation of the scriptures in your lives to lead, guide and direct you on a right course."
The second challenge Elder Perry issued was to develop a heart big enough to show real compassion to all of "your fellow men."
"The real joy of living is found when one turns from a life centered in `self' to one centered in service. James tells us, `Pure religion and undefiled before God and the father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world,' " he said.
The final challenge was to "learn deep satisfaction which comes from communication with God our eternal father through humble prayer, and experience the great eternal joy which will fill your soul by being obedient to his will," Elder Perry said.