Speeches
Finding Lasting Success and Purpose in Life Through Christ
On Sept. 6, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Provost James Lambert and Brother Neil Carpenter, an instructor for the Southern Virginia Institute of Religion, speak on finding success and purpose through Christ.
“I believe that success comes in various shapes and sizes and formats,” said Carpenter. “But they don’t always last. However, success that lasts will always include an element of spiritual growth and focus, no matter the pursuit.”
Carpenter shared how he learned this lesson while an undergraduate student. After unexpectedly failing his freshman year of college and losing his full-ride scholarship, he questioned whether he should continue his education. But during his mission, he felt prompted to return to school, try again, and keep Christ as a focus.
“I left my school heartbroken, feeling a little bit rejected, and I went on my mission not wanting to go back,” said Carpenter. “But then I spent two years serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teaching and testifying of Him and talking about redemption and healing. And when I focused on His character, I realized that I could succeed with His help, and I did when I returned to school.”
Providing tips for keeping Christ a focal point in their lives, Lambert encouraged students to reflect on what they spend their time on and to make an effort to find ways to include the Spirit in their daily lives and activities.
“What are you seeking for in life?” said Lambert. “Imagine you had a week completely off, no obligations, no commitments. What are you going to do during that week? Is it virtuous, lovely, or praiseworthy? This is not to make you feel guilty, but rather to help you understand and reflect on how to channel what you do in your daily life to things that are virtuous and will benefit you.”
While studying for his Ph.D., Lambert shared that he was struggling to decide what he wanted to focus on for his dissertation. After being challenged by his mentor to determine what he really wanted to study and not what he felt he should, Lambert realized that he admired the beauty of the world, literature, religion, and the people around him.
“Like how the Thirteenth Article of Faith reads, ‘If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things,’ I have found that surrounding myself
with beauty makes me happy,” said Lambert. “So seek beauty, seek accomplishment, but seek first the kingdom of God.”
The forum featured a violin and viola duet by professors Jakob Hofer and Megan Mason of “The Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia.” The campus community ended the event by singing “Love One Another.”