BYU president encourages students to make futures bright

BYU students were told Tuesday that they are in charge of the most important things in their lives.

Speaking at the regular back-to-school devotional in the Marriott Center, BYU President Cecil Samuelson told students that things often don't turn out the way one expects.

"Nevertheless, I stand by my assertion that you are really and quite completely in control of those things of ultimate importance," said Elder Samuelson, who is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' First Quorum of Seventy.

Elder Samuelson was joined by his wife, Sharon, who encouraged students to "be strong and true to the word of God you believe to be true today."

Elder Samuelson said college was a microcosm of life and that it is important to make good choices in both.

"At the end, we will all be different than we were at the beginning," he said, "and what we do along the way has a great deal to do with our possibilities and eventual outcomes. You can make your futures be as bright as you wish in the truly important things. Be sure to keep them in mind and not become distracted by the many temptations and diversions that will envelop you if you allow them to do so."

Elder Samuelson identified three areas on which he encouraged students to focus: personal relationships, covenants and commitments.

Key relationships include those with God and Jesus Christ, which Elder Samuelson said is the foundation of all other relationships, and with parents and other family members.

"Make sure you don't forget them, even when you don't need additional money urgently," he said. "And above all, make sure that you love and honor them, even when you see their struggles or perceived deficiencies. God loves you and expects that you likewise will love those of your family circle."

The final relationship Elder Samuelson listed was that of students with themselves.

"Be honest with yourself, including your failings, mistakes and deficiencies," he said. "But also remember who you are. If you will allow me to transpose a little the words of Jesus, 'Love yourself as you love your neighbor.' "

Elder Samuelson said keeping sacred covenants, including BYU's Honor Code, was one way to exercise control over one's destiny, even when making some covenants, such as marriage, might be out of their hands.