Individuals must learn to balance their activities in life with the appropriate amount of zeal, Brigham Young University President Cecil O. Samuelson counseled students recently.
President Samuelson and his wife, Sharon, were the speakers for the first campus devotional of the 2010-11 school year.
"We are in favor in correctly focused zeal," he said. "We admire courageous leaders and those who are willing to sacrifice or stand for what they know is right," he said. President Samuelson spoke of two areas — politics and sports — where being overzealous or under zealous could be detrimental.
"In the political arena we are in an election year and emotions are already beginning to be evident with strong opinions and advocacy and criticisms. I encourage you to become informed, to register to vote if you are eligible and have not done so, and to vote your educated conscience on election day," he said. "Participate in the process as your time and inclinations allow, but please be considerate of others opinions, people and perspectives."
Just like the political arena, interest in sports can oftentimes cause discord if not handled with the appropriate amount of zeal.
"While most of our students and community are exemplary in their sportsmanship, we as a group as avid boosters can do better and must do better in respecting our opponents, and frankly ourselves, by acting the way representatives of Brigham Young University should act," President Samuelson said. "We applaud your enthusiasm and our student athletes recognize and appreciate your support. However, in both athletics and politics we see far too many examples of over zealous behavior. ... I caution and admonish you to help solve the problems and not be the creators or promoters of offensive behavior."
During his talk, President Samuelson referenced and endorsed a report that will soon be released by the BYU Presidential Commission on Sportsmanship, a group chosen broadly from across the community. The report includes suggestions and recommendations.
President Samuelson spoke of every individual's responsibility to respect others, regardless of how inappropriate their behavior may be.
"It doesn't matter what others do, their poor judgments or actions do not justify imitation," he said. "They certainly do not justify acting or behaving in unseemly ways by those who have made commitments that members of this community have."
President Samuelson also spoke of the need for individuals to not judge others. "Intensely personal decisions such as who to marry, when to have children if married, opinions about proper and improper majors or career choices for women and men, and other intrusive verbal or behavioral assaults should never be heard or seen in the BYU community," he said. "Happily, they are rare, but when they do happen they are extremely hurtful."
Above all, none should ever attempt to impose guilt or distress upon another by being overzealous in interpreting the direction and counsel of the living prophets, President Samuelson said. "The brethren are extremely careful in what they say and mean, and we should follow their example."
Individual have tremendous opportunities to grow in the gospel and enhance their education when they keep their zeal for hobbies and other activities within proper boundaries. "I can promise you that if you will plan your time, discipline your activities and set your priorities properly, you will grow and develop in all spheres of your lives in ways which would not be possible elsewhere," he said. "You need to be intellectually stretched, but also spiritually strengthened."
Sister Samuelson also spoke about the importance of having gratitude in all things.
"Find your gifts and talents, acknowledge them, develop them and use them to develop his kingdom," she said. "Gratitude is a commandment... may we all have a grateful heart, count our blessings and use our talents to bless others."
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