"The eye was placed where one ray should fall, that it might testify of that particular ray. We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday, October 14, 2010

"Child of God" Devotional Response

Henry B. Eyring's "Child of God" devotional was given over ten years ago. I believe that there is great truth in this speech, for it is still applicable to me today. President Eyring's thesis appears to be this: "I will speak to you today of one of the great things God asks of you and how you will deal with the spiritual hazard that always comes with it."

What is it that God asks of us? President Eyring says that the answer is "educational excellence" throughout our lives. He notes that this does not simply mean while we are in school. The spiritual hazard that we must be careful to avoid is pride. President Eyring quotes Nephi, "When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God."

It seems paradoxical, but President Eyring assures us that "not only can you pursue educational excellence and humility at the same time to avoid spiritual danger but that the way to humility is also the doorway to educational excellence." Then President Eyring lays out some of the characteristics of great learners, they:
  1. Welcome correction
  2. Keep their commitments
  3. Work Hard
  4. Help other people
  5. Expect resistance and overcome it
To avoid pride, President Eyring taught us to remember. He repeated this word multiple times throughout his speech. We should especially remember our Savior and His sacrifice for us. I think that when we remember the Atonement we begin to realize how much we need it in our lives and just how much we owe to Jesus Christ our Savior.

I believe that President Eyring also points out that the proud stop learning whereas the humble will continue to learn. Children of God who remain humble and desire to learn have the opportunity to become like Him someday.
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2 comments:

  1. bkdabbOctober 14, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    I've listened to this talk on YouTube I believe and it's definitely a powerful one. In my Book of Mormon class we talked a little about the difference between remembering and recalling something. To recall is just to say, "Oh I recall hearing that a while ago," and not doing anything about it. In contrast to remember is more than just recalling something, but it's acting on what you heard or saw. I believe that when President Eyring repeated the word "remember" multiple times in his talk, he wasn't just telling us to recall the Savior's words, but he is inviting us to remember and act upon them.

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  2. BreighlinOctober 14, 2010 at 12:49 PM

    I think you're right. And it makes me think of covenants we remake every Sunday in Sacrament.

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