"A Zion University" Part II

Here it is Courgar Friday and we will continute with a few more words from former BYU President Merrill J. Bateman's address "A Zion University and the Search for Truth."

"The search for truth is part of the divine nature, and I believe there are some secular truths yet to be discovered that have been reserved for the faithful.  We must be contributors to the world's storehouse of knowledge to improve the lives of others.

During the past three decades, creativity in the arts and scientific research have become an integral part of BYU's program.  I use the word integral for a special reason.  My experience at five universities suggests that the best teachers, sacred or secular, are engaged in the discovery process.  The discovery of truth and the creation of beauty are exhausting experiences, but they are also exhilarating ones as new light and energy are unleashed.  Key attributes of a good teacher are knowledge and enthusiasm.  Both are enhanced by the discovery process.

 If Brigham Young University is to be a Zion university described by Presidents John Taylor and Spencer W. Kimball, the search for truth must be an integral part of the BYU experience.  President Taylor said: 'You will see the day that Zion will be as far ahead of the outside world in everything pertaining to learning of every kind as we are to-day in regard to religious matters.'" ( Merrill J. Bateman. Learning in the Light of Truth. Deseret 2005. pg36-7)

Spencer W. Kimball's "Keys to Leadership"

President Kimball was very direct;  which may be one of the most important thing he teaches us about leadership.  Although he is probably speaking about his own leadership experiences in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I think these ideas will be important in any field of labor.

Keys To Leadership

1.  Be guided by the Spirit

2.  Prayerfully Call and Explain Duties

3.  Establish Goals

4.  Delegate

5.  Follow up

6.  Recognize the Work of Others

7.  Develop Warm Personal Relationships

8.  Encourage and Motivate

9.  Organize, Plan, Prepare

10. Develop Good Judgment 

11. Review

12. Be Loyal

( Dellas W. Lee.  Israel the Lord's Chosen People. Wordsworth Books. 2009. pg 137).

Following leaders is the path of safety

Back in the early 80's I purchased a copy of The Teaching of Spencer W. Kimball (Edward Kimball., ed. Bookcraft. 1982).  I wore it out.  I purchased another copy and lost it in a move.  Recently, I ordered a used copy from a book seller's website.  When the package arrived,  I opened it and immediately  looked for some of my favorite quotes and in doing so, I was surprised to see many statements that hit home about today's  most pressing national issues.

We need to carefully follow the counsel of our living leaders, but if we really want a testimony of the power of the gift of prophecy on these men, go back and read what they said twenty or thirty years ago.  If we have concerns about immigration issues, read the words of President Kimball.  If we want to understand the challenges facing our nation regading it's finacial obligations, read the words of President Harold B. Lee.  If you want to know about government and the Constitution, read the words of President Ezra Taft Benson.  If we want to know how to face the threat of terrorism, read from the life of Howard W. Hunter.  If we lose sleep at night about issues of media bias, having a bedside copy of  anything written by President Gordon B. Hinckley, would serve better than a glass of warm milk.

A "prophet" who can't anticipate future events is not a prophet.  We have men at the head of our church who do see the course of future events and they really do give us a warning voice.  

"Following leaders is the path of safety.  Every normal person may have a sure way of knowing what is right and what is wrong.  He may learn the gospel and receive the Holy Spirit which will always guide him as to right and wrong.  In addition to this, he has the leaders of the Lord's church.  And the only sure, safe way is to follow that leadership--follow the Holy Spirit within you and follow the prophets, dead and living." (Edward Kimball., ed.  The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball.  Bookcraft. 1982 pg. 459).