Learning
Once our life on earth has passed, there are only a few things we can bring with us to our next life. One of those few things is our education; everything that we have learned here on earth. Obviously it is important to learn as much as possible before we pass on so we can have a head start on our progression in our next life.
A common question asked is; why do we need to know as much as we can in this life or the next? The answer; our heavenly father knows everything, and it is our duty to try and be perfect just as he is. In D&C 130:18-19, it says’ “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” Imagine how great the blessings will be if we can stay focused for the such short time we are here on this earth, and put as much effort as we can into learning all that we can.
One of the reasons as to why we are even here on this earth is so that we can learn. We can learn by watching others, listening to others, or our own experiences. However, as spirit children of our heavenly father it is possible for us to learn through our faith. This means we must rely on our faith, and not only proven facts that what we see or feel is real. Elder David. A Bednar gave a talk in 2006 where he said, “Learning by faith and from experience are two of the central features of the father’s plan of happiness.” This lets us know that it must be very important to our god that we continue to build up our knowledge through life.
It is in fact so important to heavenly father that we continue learning that even when it seems one has grown to be the best they can be, god gives them challenges to help them learn and grow more. In first Nephi chapter sixteen, it tells of how Nephi breaks his bow in the wilderness. All seems lost for them because there is no other way for them to get food. Even the prophet Lehi begins to murmur against the lord. However, Nephi makes a new bow and gets food for the family and those with them. The lord made this situation in order to provide these people with a situation in which they could learn more about themselves and the lord. Even the prophet Lehi who was extremely righteous learned from this situation. This shows that the lord even wants the prophets to keep progressing, growing, and learning.
It seems like a hard task to try and learn all that we can, because there is so much out there that is possible to learn. But with the help of the spirit this task becomes much easier. In john chapter 16, vs. 13 it says, “when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whosoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” So the spirit is here to help each and everyone learn through him, and if you rely on him to help you learn by faith, the amount one can learn is endless.
Through all that we can, the most important thing that we need to focus on gaining more knowledge on is Christ and our heavenly father. In D&C 19, verse 23 it says, “learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” So by learning as much as you can about our lord, and letting the spirit help teach you like I discussed earlier, one shall not only grow in intelligence, but also in faith and trust in the lord our god.
works cited:
1-D&C 130:18-19
2-David A. Bednar:seek learning by faith; February 3, 2006
3-1st Nephi:16
4-john 16:13
5-D&C 19:23
10 comments:
I like the point you make about becoming like Heavenly Father in this way: learning. What do you think it means to “learn by faith”? This is really interesting, and I would love to hear more of your thoughts on it. More regularized capitalization would make your piece a little easier to read. ;)
I agree that learning is important, especially learning about the Lord and His love. You may want to proof-read the punctuation, for instance, Heavenly Father.
Especially as finals approach, i appreciate your comment that the spirit is what helps us to learn better. Through reading your blog and feeling the spirit, I believe that I can do better in my secular studies.
Thank you for pointing out just how important education and learning are, I really needed to hear that. My favorite line in this blog is when you talk about how even when people seem they are the best they can be, God gives them challenges to help then grow more.
I liked how you used the book of John to tell what the Savior can help us to understand.
I love how you connect learning to the will of our heavenly father and how much he cares to see us learn. Great blog.
I like how you tell of the lords complete knowledge and compare it to our quest for perfection.
Wow you must know my dad, he always was telling me how important learning was, I think you made your point very well, thanks.
I like how you point out we need to gain knowledge so we can have as much knowledge as our Heavenly Father.
P.s. don't forget to capitalize everytime you use the Lords name. He deserves it!
Your blog did an excellent job of showing how learning and Heavenly Father connect.
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