Topic

Decision-making

The majority of students who attend Brigham Young University are in their young adulthood years. While this age presents a multitude of new experiences, it also brings about difficult decision-making. Young adults are often pressured with questions about what they want to study, whether or not they will serve a full-time mission, plans for after college, and when they will get married. These decisions are life-changing and present a considerable amount of stress to everyone in this stage of life.

What is the best way to make decisions? How can we alleviate the stress that comes from deciding things that will affect the rest of our lives? How can we know if what we want to do lines up with what God wants us to do? We’ve all had these questions at some point, and luckily, this collection of speeches was created to help answer them. These speakers teach how to pray in a way that helps us receive clearer revelation. Additionally, they discuss the different ways we can receive answers from God and how to know if God is letting you decide for yourself. These experts discuss important principles of decision-making and how we can apply them in our lives. This collection of talks is especially relevant to young adults, those who are focusing on making big decisions, or those who are faced with difficult choices.

We are grateful to know that God communicates with us and can lead and guide us to the decision that is best for our future. In times of uncertainty, we can move forward with faith, trusting in God, even when we may still feel lost or confused. The experiences shared in these talks are sure to uplift and inspire anyone.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

General Authority Seventy Kelly R. Johnson

Kelly R. Johnson March 15, 2022

Keith Vorkink, Advancement Vice President

Keith Vorkink March 28, 2017

K. Brett Nattress - General Authority Seventy

K. Brett Nattress | January 16, 2024

We can choose to think celestial every day by praying, reading the scriptures, and serving others, even if we have made mistakes in the past.

devotional 2024

Kevin J Worthen | September 6, 2022

Expanding on the prophetic counsel of President Russell M. Nelson, Kevin J Worthen teaches how to choose our own destinies.

devotional 2022

Peggy S. Worthen, wife to the president of Brigham Young University.

Peggy S. Worthen | January 4, 2022

Sister Peggy S. Worthen shares the dangers of being too quick to judge and how the Spirit can help us overcome this habit.

devotional 2022

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Quentin L. Cook | November 10, 2020

Quentin L. Cook counsels the rising generation on how to live up to the expectations of their Heavenly parents in order to obtain joy.

devotional 2020

James B. Martino | September 15, 2020

Elder James B. Martino discusses the power that agency brings to our lives. You alone can choose "whom ye will serve."

devotional 2020

Jack N. Gerard | March 17, 2020

The Lord directs our lives in ways that we could not have supposed, and we can see this in our personal experiences and in the scriptures.

devotional 2020

Joy D. Jones | August 21, 2018

We are all enticed and tempted by our surroundings. It is through our agency that we respond to enticements in a way that helps us become more like Christ.

devotional 2018

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | November 14, 2017

Elder Ballard offers timely and loving answers to tough questions about topics such as perfectionism, education, pornography, and the needs of LGBTQ saints.

devotional 2017

Allan F. Packer | January 12, 2016

We can safely travel life’s journey by relying on the maps of the scriptures and the words of the living prophets and the compass of the Holy Ghost. God’s plan and desire is that we all successfully reach our destination.

devotional 2016

Terry R. Seamons | April 24, 2014

Terry R. Seamons, president of the BYU Alumni Association of the time, reminds the class of 2014 to stay connected to BYU after they graduate.

commencement 2014

Anthony D. Perkins | February 4, 2014

Be confident that the Savior will fulfill His promise to lead you along to an abundant life, even when the immediate path sometimes seems uncertain.

devotional 2014

Gordon Limb | March 5, 2013

As we learn and understand the Lord’s pattern for communicating with us, those small, melodic tones of the Spirit will lead us to the Savior.

devotional 2013

Patricia Ravert | July 10, 2012

Our plans and goals may change or be difficult to reach, but if we are persistent and patient, we can find joy and progress.

devotional 2012

Elaine S. Dalton | September 13, 2009

Elaine S. Dalton brings a call to lead the world in a return to virtue. Those who are pure in heart are the building blocks of Zion.

devotional 2009

Steven C. Wheelwright | May 26, 2009

Steven C. Wheelwright teaches how decision making the Lord's way works. Agency, humility, gratitude, and faith are all key to the process.

devotional 2009

Craig H. Hart | August 5, 2008

While genetics are important to understanding human development, our personalities come from the premortal life and are for us to discover.

devotional 2008

Gerrit W. Gong | March 20, 2007

As we learn to make important decisions, we must find the balance between seeking the Lord's guidance and having the courage to make our own choices.

devotional 2007

President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thomas S. Monson | November 6, 2005

We must choose our friends with caution, plan our futures with purpose, and frame our lives with faith. Our decisions determine destiny.

devotional 2005

Lynn A. Mickelsen | June 28, 2005

Becoming decisive is part of our spiritual growing up. This growing up requires constant decision making. We must learn to be decisive, because indecision is no choice at all. If we fail to choose, we fail to act.

devotional 2005

LaNae Valentine | June 29, 2004

Lanae Valentine teaches strategies that improve our ability to discern the will of the Lord. He is eager to answer us if we will listen.

devotional 2004

Thomas S. Monson | September 7, 2003

Three of the greatest decisions we make in life are: What will be my faith? Whom shall I marry? What will be my life's work?

devotional 2003

Richard G. Scott | January 13, 2002

Resolve that each moment of your life will reflect your determination to humbly be an example of righteousness, integrity, and conviction.

devotional 2002

Larry L. St. Clair | May 22, 2001

Choosing the Lord is both a daily and a lifelong task. In mortality we simply never arrive. We must diligently endure to the end every day.

devotional 2001

Richard G. Scott | September 12, 1999

Richard G. Scott uses object lessons to illustrate the principles of trust and discernment. He admonishes listeners to live with no regrets.

devotional 1999

Richard G. Scott | March 3, 1996

Richard G. Scott implores listeners to resolutely decide to keep the Lord's standards and live so that the Holy Ghost can inspire all to do what is right.

devotional 1996

Rex E. Lee - BYU President - and Janet G. Lee

Rex E. and Janet G. Lee | September 11, 1990

When we judge too soon, we hurt others and we miss out on great opportunities. Especially when meeting other people, it is important to keep an open mind.

devotional 1990

L. Tom Perry | October 27, 1985

Elder Perry answers questions from students about living the gospel. His overarching counsel is to choose to serve the Lord above all else.

devotional 1985

M. Russell Ballard | November 29, 1983

Future world and Church leaders must learn early to weigh decisions, use common sense, and invest in the future - in other words, to think straight.

devotional 1983

F. Burton Howard | October 31, 1982

As we seek the influence of the Holy Ghost, we will have the gift of knowing how to balance our time and what to do when we face important decisions.

devotional 1982

Hugh W. Pinnock | February 6, 1981

Decisions determine our actions, our habits, our character, and our destiny. Are you making decisions that will help you end up where you want to go?

devotional 1981

John H. Groberg | May 1, 1979

Discovering your mission in life is a daunting, but not impossible task. If you trust Him and have the courage to act, God will guide and shape your life.

devotional 1979

Bruce C. Hafen | January 9, 1979

We face ambiguity when reality does not meet the ideal. Faith and ambiguity are both possible once we learn that to God, love is not blind, but bound.

devotional 1979

Thomas S. Monson | February 6, 1977

When we have important decisions to make, the counsel of prophets and the power of prayer, together with the will to act, will guide us to our potential.

devotional 1977

William F. Edwards | May 13, 1975

Thank you, President Oaks. One is honored to be asked to speak to a devotional assembly, especially when his journey has left most of his footprints in the sands of time. I appreciate the prayer that was offered by Brother Skousen, the son of Karl Skousen, an outstanding scholar and a wonderful man, and I pray that the Lord will respond to that prayer in this period that we have…

devotional 1975

Glen C. Tuckett | April 9, 1974

I feel about as out of place as a rabbi in the mission home to be in this position. I have been here at BYU for fifteen years and have seen some outstanding speakers and heard some great sermons preached from this and other pulpits for devotional assemblies. When the President’s office called and asked if I would fulfill this particular assignment, I searched in vain for excuses but could…

devotional 1974

Mark E. Petersen | January 3, 1962

Commitment to temple marriage begins with dating worthy Saints. As you date, consider the covenants you intend to make and the home you wish to have.

devotional 1962

Thomas L. Martin | October 30, 1951

Thomas L. Martin humorously describes the main events of his life and highlights how the hand of the Lord worked to help him reach all his righteous goals.

devotional 1951