BYU Speeches: “What Desirest Thou?” by B. Corey Cuvelier

Delivered November 11, 2025 | Summary

Episode Overview

In this spiritually rich BYU devotional, Elder B. Corey Cuvelier, then a General Authority Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explores the soul-searching question “What desirest thou?” Drawing from scripture, personal stories, and prophetic teachings, he invites listeners—especially the BYU community—to examine their deepest desires, align their will with God's, and prioritize discipleship above all else. The address is at once personal, humorous, and profound, illustrating the transformation that comes as we educate and elevate our desires in pursuit of Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. BYU Roots and Spiritual Legacy

• Personal Connection: Elder Cuvelier begins by sharing the enduring role BYU plays in his family’s spiritual story (00:36).
• Humor and Warmth: Anecdotes about parking citations and family BYU ties set a familiar, welcoming tone.

Quote:

“You can say our family bleeds blue. I share this because BYU isn’t just a place for us. It’s a part of our family’s spiritual story. It’s where our testimonies grew, our friendships deepened, and our faith in Jesus Christ was strengthened.” (01:25)

2. The Central Question: “What Desirest Thou?”

• Scriptural Roots: The recurring scriptural question, asked by the Lord to figures like John, Nephi, and the brother of Jared, is for our transformation, not his information (06:10).
• Self-examination: Cuvelier encourages listeners to regularly revisit and refine their own response to this question, noting that its answer evolves as we mature—especially spiritually.

Quote:

“When He asks the question, it is not for His information. It is for our transformation.” (07:13)

3. Stories of Desire, Effort, and Divine Guidance

• Interview Mishaps & Miracles: Cuvelier recounts a memorable job interview where the recruiter fell asleep (03:08), leading to an unexpected career with Shell Oil after following an intuitive prompting.
  • The story underlines persistence, humility, and trust in God’s hand in our lives, even amid setbacks.

Quote:

“Looking back, I can see that even in my insecurities… the Lord was guiding me toward something deeper—understanding a question He eloquently asked both John the Beloved and Nephi: ‘What desirest thou?’” (05:30)

4. Educating and Aligning Our Desires

• Spiritual Maturity: Drawing on examples from his life and ministry, Cuvelier shows how desires must be educated through experiences, faithfulness, and time.
• Quotes from Apostles: Insights from Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Elder Neil L. Andersen reinforce that “desires are being constructed or developed, fortified or weakened constantly, whether they are righteous or unrighteous.” (12:00)
• Missionary Transformation: On his mission, desires shifted from seeking blessings to wanting to be a blessing (13:20).
• Scriptural Examples: Mary, Nephi, King Benjamin’s people, Alma the Younger, among others, serve as models of righteous desires.

5. Active Effort + Grace: The Equation of Spiritual Growth

• Active Participation Required: Spiritual progress requires both sincere effort and divine grace (15:46).
• Notable Anecdote: President Jeffrey R. Holland’s message to missionaries in Brazil—

  “You can’t have a million dollar experience with 50 cents worth of effort.” (17:16)

  • This powerful counsel becomes a central motif for the address.

6. Balancing Spiritual and Secular Pursuits

• Double Heritage: BYU’s spiritual and academic mission requires disciples to be “bilingual”—fluent both in the gospel and in professional disciplines (20:40, quoting Spencer W. Kimball).
• Seek First the Kingdom: Cuvelier reminds listeners not to let “the inconsequential things of life” distract from ultimate spiritual goals (21:50).

7. Realign Priorities Through Discipleship

• Priorities Dictate Actions:
  • “Our desires dictate our priorities. Priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions.” (25:00, paraphrasing President Oaks)
• Personal Story: A pivotal soccer match at Notre Dame becomes a lesson in choosing discipleship over personal achievement (22:50).
  • Being pulled from the field enabled Cuvelier to give a priesthood blessing to a teammate, reframing what truly matters.

Quote:

“What once seemed urgent becomes secondary, and what once seemed small becomes sacred. When we align our desires with the Savior, our perspective changes.” (24:15)

8. Discipleship as the Highest Desire

Cuvelier’s culminating answer to “What desirest thou?” is “I want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ” (25:20).

• Discipleship Defined: Emulating Christ, doing good, helping others feel God’s love, and serving both within and outside the church.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Being Willing to Serve:

  “I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Couve will run that errand for Him.” (24:50, referencing President Monson)

• On Following God’s Will:

  “If you pray with faith, seeking for inspiration to ask according to God’s will and timing, He will answer. It will be done.” (26:11)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:36: Opening, BYU family legacy and humor
• 03:08: Job interview mishap and lesson on persistence
• 05:30–07:13: Scriptural question “What desirest thou?” for self-examination and transformation
• 12:00: Educating desires and change during missionary service
• 13:20: Scriptural examples of righteous desires
• 15:46–17:16: Spiritual growth requires effort—quoting Elder Holland
• 20:40–21:50: Balancing secular and spiritual; “double heritage” at BYU
• 22:50–24:15: Soccer match and the higher calling of discipleship
• 25:00–26:11: Priorities, discipleship, and the ultimate answer to the Savior’s question
• 26:11–27:27: Invitation to pray about your desires and closing testimony

Final Invitation and Testimony

Cuvelier closes with a personal, actionable invitation:

“I invite you to dedicate some meaningful, quiet time… to pray. You just may hear the Lord’s gentle echo of the same question… What desirest thou? Share the deepest desires of your heart with Heavenly Father, then pause and listen.” (26:11)

Testimony:

“I testify that Jesus Christ lives. He loves you. He always does the will of the Father, and He will strengthen your desire to do the same.” (27:14)

For those seeking a spiritual reset or deeper perspective on what truly matters, this address invites introspection, faith, and a renewed commitment to follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.