Brad Wilcox
“Love the truth so much that you would never want to steal, lie, cheat, or deceive in any way.”
In the growing age of negativity and tribulation, each of us face many challenges that test our faith. The business of our lives can deviate us from the eternal plan. In the podcast episode “Measuring Success Right: Brad Wilcox on Teaching and Living the Savior’s Way,” Brad Wilcox teaches us the importance of centering our lives on Christ.
As a respected religious teacher at BYU and the author of The Continuous Atonement, Brad Wilcox has devoted his life to helping others understand and live the gospel. He began his professional career as a sixth-grade teacher. Later, he taught in the education department at BYU and now serves in the religion department. His background in teaching sixth-graders has helped him excel in explaining complex gospel concepts to his students. One of Wilcox’s core teaching values is to show his genuine care:
“I may not know this student now, but I have always known this student because I knew this student in the premortal life.”
Wilcox seeks to exemplify Christlike love through his teachings; he hopes BYU students feel his love and know they are cared for. Doing so, Wilcox makes his classes more engaging and valuable to ultimately help his students grow spiritually.
In the podcast, Wilcox explains how following the Lord fulfills the Marriott School Values: faith in Christ, integrity, respect for all, and excellence. Having faith in Christ means pursuing eternal joy. It should not be a chore or a burden. Instead, faith in Christ means choosing to make Him your standard for excellence and basing your life upon His teachings. Having integrity means being willing to stand alone for what you believe. There are going to be views different from yours—and that is okay. They have the freedom to choose their beliefs. However, always know what is the real truth, the absolute truth. Never stray away from that, and always be prepared to defend it. Having respect for all means showing God’s love through your actions. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are His agents. We should take the initiative to treat all people with love, respect, and inclusion:
“Help them feel Heavenly Father’s love through you.”
Lastly, having excellence means being proud to show that you are a disciple of Christ. Be the best version of yourself, both in public and in private. Heavenly Father wants us to pursue excellence so that we can make a difference. With His help, we can make that difference.
Finally, Wilcox doesn’t choose to measure success by fame, money, or titles. He defines success through grit and the courage to try something and stick it out. True success comes from embracing the opportunities God gives to you and persevering through.