Elder Edward B Rowe addressed BYU students in a devotional titled, “Jesus Christ is Our Rock and Covenants Are Our Anchors” on Tuesday, November 4th. He began by recognizing how many students are currently going through a period of the “great what-ifs.” College is a time when many students are forced to make life-altering decisions. Everyone has worries about the future, and Elder Rowe taught how these fears can be addressed through developing confidence rooted in Christ.
Elder Rowe emphasized that it is only when confidence is rooted in Christ and when covenants are kept that fears and challenges can be overcome. He illustrated this with the analogy of a rock climber who is tethered to a carabiner which is securely attached to the rock. This ensures that slips are temporary, and every fall is recoverable. In this analogy, gravity is representative of opposition. It is necessary and essential to God’s plan. Carabiners represent personal choices to make covenants and keep covenants, binding oneself to the rock, which is Christ. The summit of this rock climb is representative of exaltation. Elder Rowe explained that it is only by continuously reconnecting ourselves to the Rock, who is Jesus Christ, that we may progress towards exaltation. He said, “When we are anchored securely, our very nature is changed because of our relationship with the Rock.”
Elder Rowe also shared a story from a time in his life when he put his trust in God and had faith God had a greater plan. He once had a promising football career but eventually received the prompting to stop playing. Not knowing what his next step should be, he continuously trusted in the Lord, even during times when he experienced confusion and concern about his next steps. Eventually he felt prompted to enroll in a Russian class, which led him to participate in a study abroad program in Russia. While there, he had profound spiritual experiences and learned the power of his covenantal relationship with Christ. He found strength through his covenants in his darkest and loneliest moments. These experiences prepared him to both practice law in various countries and serve in callings in the church and in his own family.
Speaking to students, especially those who are anxious about the future, Elder Rowe said, “The antidote to fear and uncertainty is a personal relationship with Christ. . . Christ has chosen you and has done all that is necessary to redeem you. All you have to do is choose Him.” Elder Rowe taught that Jesus Christ is the Rock, and that true, unfaltering confidence is only developed when it is rooted in Him. Covenant keepers will be given the strength to do hard things. Elder Rowe invited students to strive to develop unshaken trust in and through Jesus Christ, to come to know Him, and to honor covenants. Elder Rowe stated, “Although our paths are unique, each are within the covenant path.” When covenants are made and kept, God will direct each person’s individual path. He will be the rock upon which confidence can be built.
Cover Photo Source: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/edward-b-rowe/jesus-christ-is-our-rock-and-covenants-are-our-anchors/
