The Path of Preparation: Learning, Family, and the Covenant Calling

We are called to walk a path of increasing knowledge and deepening covenants. The Lord has provided countless mechanisms—from the rigorous study of the scriptures to the sacred covenants made in the temple—to refine our hearts and minds, preparing us for the eternal glory. Yet, sometimes the divine path appears in the most mundane forms: in a campus admissions office, in a family photo, or in the disciplined study of a challenging scripture.

Maurice Mo'o, Manager of BYUH Admissions, shares a personal account that beautifully illustrates this principle. His story, rich with the history of BYU-Hawaii and the dedication of his family, reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge, when done with a bident heart, is itself a preparatory calling.

While the focus of the talk is admissions requirements and the ELAT test, the underlying theme resonates with every disciple: the dedication required to build a life worthy of the covenants we have received. Maurice speaks of his family—a *Moʻo Ohana*—whose roots are deeply embedded in the mission field and the academic pursuit of truth. His journey, meeting his wife on a Sunday morning before church, is a beautiful testimony that even the most ordinary moments can be saturated with the Spirit and lead to eternal blessings.

The academic pursuit, the mastering of a craft, and the dedication to family are all facets of the disciple’s life. When we study the scriptures, we are not merely gathering information; we are gathering the Spirit, which is the source of all true knowledge. Just as the admissions office helps guide potential students, the Church provides the keys and the curriculum—the gospel—to ensure we are properly prepared for the temple and for our calling.

The Discipline of the Disciple

Maurice’s background—from BYU-Hawaii to BYU Provo, and his continued academic growth—is a powerful visual aid for those of us who believe that continuous self-improvement is a sacred mandate. The priesthood, as we know, is not merely a title; it is a responsibility to steward our knowledge and our lives according to the covenants we have made. To be a disciple is to be a scholar, a student of the gospel, and a diligent keeper of our commitments.

This concept echoes the words of Paul, who taught that man is not saved by works, but by grace through faith, yet that faith must manifest in the labors of love. Our study of the gospel is our labor of love. It is the process of diligently seeking the light that the Prophet Joseph Smith revealed to us.

Beyond the Transcript: The Spirit's Guide

What struck me most was not the list of required courses, but the sheer joy and dedication in Maurice’s recounting of his family’s history. The Spirit does not always speak in formalized doctrine; sometimes, it whispers through shared memories and moments of quiet preparation. When we feel the prompting to study, when we are drawn to the temple, or when we feel the weight of a calling, we are being guided by the very power of the Spirit, which is the ultimate teacher and guide.

We must remember that the Lord asks us to be prepared. Preparation is not a finite checklist; it is a continuous covenant. It is the daily devotion to scripture study, the regular attendance at temple ordinances, and the commitment to keep our word before God. The scriptures teach us that the Lord is near to those who call upon him in truth. (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10).

To approach the gospel with the same diligence and scholarly rigor that Maurice applied to his own education—to see every facet of our calling as a subject worthy of deep study—is to honor the Lord and hasten the coming of the Second Coming. Our greatest academic pursuit is the knowledge of Christ.

The journey toward eternal life is one of constant refinement. Let us approach our own studies and our own callings with the heart of a scholar and the dedication of a covenant-keeper. We are heirs to the priesthood, and that inheritance demands diligent stewardship of both our minds and our souls.