Classic BYU Speeches Constructing Spiritual Stability | Dale G. Renlund | September 2014
Sep 3, 2025
Dale G. Renlund, a prominent leader from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares profound insights on building spiritual stability. He draws lessons from the tragic fate of the Vasa ship to illustrate life’s challenges. Renlund emphasizes obedience to God's commandments for true freedom and warns against small temptations with vivid stories. He advocates for lifelong learning, heeding trusted counsel, and serving others as essential stabilizers. Ultimately, he stresses that Jesus Christ must be the foundation guiding our lives.
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The Vasa Ship Failure
- Elder Dale G. Renlund recounts the 17th-century Swedish warship Vasa that sank on its maiden voyage after being built too long and top-heavy.
- The builders complied with the king's orders despite knowing the design violated stability laws and the ship sank after 4,200 feet.
Spiritual Stability Mirrors Ship Stability
- Renlund draws a parallel: physical lateral stability for ships equals spiritual stability for people.
- Without sufficient spiritual stability, we cannot safely navigate life's crosswinds and currents.
Decide Now To Obey
- Obey God's commandments to preserve freedom, flexibility, and potential.
- Decide now to be exactly obedient and avoid detours that squander God-given resources.
