Elder Uchtdorf Teaches of Freedom, Constraints and the ‘Art of Becoming’

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By Rachel Sterzer Gibson, Church News

Before offering his formal remarks during an Ensign College devotional on Tuesday, November 14, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf paid tribute to his “dear friend” and fellow Apostle, President M. Russell Ballard.

With bright autumn leaves strewn across trees and walkways, Ensign College students and faculty filled the 900-seat Conference Center Theater in downtown Salt Lake City to hear words of counsel and encouragement from Elder Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Just outside the Conference Center — amid a blue, cloudless sky — the flags flew at half-staff in respect for the passing of President Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who died Sunday, November 14, at home surrounded by loved ones.

President Ballard was “a great, wonderful servant of the Lord — humble, teachable, loving and caring,” Elder Uchtdorf said.

Recently, Elder Uchtdorf and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, visited the Salt Lake City Cemetery where they stumbled upon the headstone President Ballard will share with his wife, Sister Barbara Ballard, who died in October 2018.

On the back of the headstone is counsel President Ballard frequently shared with the world, which Elder Uchtdorf in turn shared with students, including: “Keep it simple,” “Preach My gospel,” “Counsel together” and “Love and just serve.”

Said Elder Uchtdorf, “I will miss him. I will say goodbye but not forever.”

The Art of Becoming

Like President Ballard, all are on a great journey back to their Heavenly Father, a journey that is not always smooth, said Elder Uchtdorf, adding “difficult challenges await at every turn.”

In Lehi’s dream, opposition came from those in a large and spacious building who shouted from across the way. “Today, that opposition comes not from across a river but face to face — in our homes, living rooms, desktops and smartphones. … The volume is loud, clear, personally challenging and in your face.”

Noah must have felt like the entire world was against him, yet he endured, Elder Uchtdorf observed. “We hope that what was written of Noah could said of us — of you and me — that we did ‘according to all that God commanded’” (see Genesis 6:22).

When the world speaks of freedom, it is often in the context of freedom from rules. In contrast, Elder Uchtdorf said, true freedom is not measured by what is prohibited. “It is measured by our choices that lead us to who we can and will become.”

When he chose to be a pilot, Elder Uchtdorf said, he chose a long list of constraints. “To become the person I wanted to become, I knew that there would be many, many things I would have to do and an equally long list of things I would not allow myself to do.”

For example, he knew he would need to learn English, go to school, focus on his studies, and give up hundreds of hours of entertainment for the work that would prepare him for his goal.

The first time he climbed into the cockpit of a jet fighter and took it up into the air, he knew that his efforts — and all the constraints — were worth it.

“The same applies to you,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “You also have the priceless blessing to choose who you wish to become. Just know that every choice brings with it its own set of constraints, restrictions and consequences.”

That applies to professionals — such as musicians, teachers, mechanics, computer programmers — as well as to disciples of Jesus Christ. “We desire to become something more than who we currently are. But in order to reach that goal, we accept certain restrictions. We accept them freely because it is necessary to do so in order to reach that greater goal.”

Elder Uchtdorf then asked, “Do you think that becoming a son or daughter of God and entering His kingdom in triumph is any different? That is the greatest goal of all.”

Set Noble Goals

These constraints — also known as commandments or covenants — are not burdensome but delights, Elder Uchtdorf said. “They are the very things that guide you from your current state into the person of glory you wish to become. You all have the precious choice to choose to become the person you wish to become,” Elder Uctdorf told students. “It’s your choice.”

To those who pursue choices that lead them to become less than their potential, Elder Uchtdorf assured that divine help is always available. “Jesus Christ. He is your help. He is your strength.”

Holding up a copy of the “For the Strength of Youth” guidebook, Elder Uchtdorf called it “a marvelous guide for making choices.”

It is full of eternal truths, invitations and promised blessings, he explained. “I recommend this booklet to you. Study it. Apply it to your life.” Those who do so will find answers and learn what repentance really means: “It is a path to freedom through choices.”