Coming Closer To Jesus Christ

BYU Devotional with

President

Dallin H. Oaks

(BYU Marriott Center, 10 February 2026)

President Dallin H. Oaks

“In coming days,” President Nelson said, “it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

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“You live in a season where the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church.”

Four Invitations:

1. Focus on Faith in Jesus Christ

* What daily choices or habits help you actively focus your faith on the Savior?

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* What changes for you when you see Jesus Christ not just as a belief, but as the way through every challenge?�

“Strong faith requires more than strong desire…It means daily trying, one step at a time, with prayer and scripture study. We can increase our commitment to the principles in the First Article of Faith.”

2. Increase Humility

• “When we are humble, we can more clearly hear the Lord’s voice”
• “Look to the needs of others and humility follows”
• “Humility is one of the powerful commandments we have been given to guide us in our mortal journeys, which prepares us for our appointed meeting with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ,”
• “Take care not to become distracted”
• “Those of diminishing faith and activity in the restored Church are a major source of concern to your prophetic leaders”
• “We love you, young and old, men and women. So does the Lord! God is relentless in His loving pursuit of each of you. Keep the commandments and be true to the covenants so many of you have made to guide you along the covenant path. Never let your secular learning limit your horizons.”

* How have you personally felt the Savior relentlessly reaching for you, even when life has been messy or difficult?

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* When have you felt the Savior soften your heart as you served someone in need?

3. Seek Help From Other Well-informed Believers

• “An abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media surround us, some may protest or question the truth of church doctrine without knowing or understanding the fullness of that doctrine.”
• “Discuss your concerns with faithful well-informed friends and always take those concerns to the Lord.”
• “The Lord has told us very little about some things.”

* When you have questions about Church doctrine, how does turning to Christ change the way you seek answers?

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* Who are the faithful, Christ‑anchored friends in your life that help you stay grounded spiritually—and how do they point you back to Him?

4. Be Patient

• “Overcoming doubt — resolving conflicts between the evolving understanding of science and the sometimes-incomplete teachings of religion can be a lengthy process, like building faith or acquiring humility,”
• “We should busy ourselves with service”
• “Again and again, Jesus taught and demonstrated the power of service to others.”

What simple act of service could you offer this week that would bring you closer to Jesus Christ and help you feel His influence more deeply?

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What has the Savior taught you personally about patience as you work through uncertainties or unresolved spiritual questions?

President Dallin H. Oaks�

“The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place. …

The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!”

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President Dallin H. Oaks, Coming Closer To Jesus Christ (BYU Devotional 10 February, 2026)

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INVITATION:

From what you’ve learned from President Oaks, what is one thing you can start doing today to more faithfully follow Jesus Christ?