PROVO, Utah -- Before his mission, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton told the Church Educational System fireside Sunday evening, he earned money working for golf pro Alex McCafferty. When his work didn't meet expectations, the Scottish golfer would say, "David, my boy, will you ever make something of yourself?"

The impact of that statement was the theme of his address to young-adult Mormons gathered in the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University and to those viewing in many other places around the world via satellite broadcast.

"Over the years, I have often reflected on Alex's question: 'Will you ever make something of yourself?'" Bishop Burton said.



His reflections led him to tell the young adults that to find true success they should focus on the question "posed by the Savior himself: 'Therefore, what manner of men (and women) ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.' (3 Nephi 27:27)"

Bishop Burton, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, continued: "What manner of men and women ought ye to be? In my ponderings, I continue to ask: What are the attributes of a Christlike life? What is the appropriate pattern to use in coping with the challenges of life? What does it mean to be 'even as I am?' I certainly don't know all that is expected, but attributes like love of God and fellowmen, compassion, example, obedience, service and keeping covenants may be a few."

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson provides a pattern for living a good life, Bishop Burton said.

"From time to time we get a glimpse into his private ministry. Serving, being concerned, reaching out and blessing the 'one,' and offering encouragement and comfort are all integral parts of his private ministry."

Another area where President Monson is an example is in faith and prayer, Bishop Burton stated.

"Many of you are at a stage of life when you will be making decisions which will shape your earthly lives as well as your eternal lives. Some of you are in the process of making decisions about your education. Others of you may be contemplating a mission. Many may be endeavoring to decide what they wish to do for a career, or life's work. Perhaps some of you may be trying to decide if he or she is the right person to be your eternal companion. These decisions will be much easier if you take them before the Lord in prayer."

Those matters, along with sin and faltering testimonies, should all be matters of prayer, he said. "Seek the participation of our Father in Heaven through humble prayer and then have the faith and determination to follow his counsel as conveyed by the Holy Spirit."

Speaking of the uncertain and turbulent times facing youths, he told them not to fear but to be obedient, faithful members of the church. "What manner of men and women we will be, in part, will be influenced by how well we handle the fearsome and unforeseen aspects of life," he said.

At a time when "the work of the Lord marches on to achieve its prophetic destiny," Bishop Burton said, "what manner of men and women you will be will in part be a function of your devotion and assistance in moving his kingdom forward."

He concluded by recollecting a time when he was golfing with Arnold Palmer that the legendary pro told a caddy he didn't want to know what was to the right or the left of the fairway, but only the distance to the hole.

Bishop Burton then said that kind of focus is essential in achieving goals. "When we fail to focus on the right things, it is difficult to become the 'manner of men and women' that we desperately want to be."

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