Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the blessing of correction

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"If we sincerely desire and strive to measure up to the high expectations of our Heavenly Father, He will ensure that we receive all the help we need, whether it be comforting, strengthening, or chastening. If we are open to it, needed correction will come in many forms and from many sources. It may come in the course of our prayers as God speaks to our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 8:2). It may come in the form of prayers that are answered no or differently than we had expected. Chastening may come as we study the scriptures and are reminded of deficiencies, disobedience, or simply matters neglected.

"Correction can come through others, especially those who are God-inspired to promote our happiness. Apostles, prophets, patriarchs, bishops, and others have been put into the Church today, just as anciently, 'for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ' (Ephesians 4:12)....

"All of us can meet God's high expectations, however great or small our capacity and talent may be. Moroni affirms, 'If ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is [God's] grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ' (Moroni 10:32). It is a diligent, devoted effort on our part that calls forth this empowering and enabling grace, an effort that certainly includes submission to God's chastening hand and sincere, unqualified repentance. Let us pray for His love-inspired correction."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten," Ensign, May 2011, pp. 97-100
Click here to read the full talk

It's an unusual person in today's world who is eager for correction. But it's perhaps a real sign of spiritual maturity. We believe that "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth" (Heb. 12:6) since that is a step in learning, repentance, and growth. We truly should be eager for those experiences, knowing the good they can bring to us!

The truly humble and sincere disciple will be praying for "His love-inspired correction" and will respond whole-heartedly by making changes and seeking to do better. "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6).

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 7, 2016

Elder David A. Bednar on gradual personal revelation

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God 'line upon line, precept upon precept' (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently 'distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven' (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare...

"Both the history of the Church and our personal lives are replete with examples of the Lord's pattern for receiving revelation 'line upon line, precept upon precept.' For example, the fundamental truths of the restored gospel were not delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith all at once in the Sacred Grove. These priceless treasures were revealed as circumstances warranted and as the timing was right....

"We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes His work. The very 'simpleness of the way' (1 Nephi 17:41) of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or the direction we need may cause us to look 'beyond the mark' (Jacob 4:14).

 "I have talked with many individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions. Perhaps as we consider the experiences of Joseph in the Sacred Grove, of Saul on the road to Damascus, and of Alma the Younger, we come to believe something is wrong with or lacking in us if we fall short in our lives of these well-known and spiritually striking examples. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in the Savior. As you do so, you 'cannot go amiss' (D&C 80:3)."

- David A. Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation," Ensign, May 2011, pp. 87-90
Click here to read the full talk

Most of us appreciate quick solutions to problems, neat and complete answers, concerns relieved soon after they are identified. But Elder Bednar points out that more often, our communications with God or our spiritual learning happen more gradually and incrementally.

We have to learn to be patient! We have to trust that the sun will indeed rise. We know from experience in seeing the first early glow of morning light that full daylight is not far away; and just so, we should know from experience in feeling the first spiritual promptings that more complete understanding will eventually follow. It's not often that the dramatic, soul-wrenching, life-changing manifestations occur; more often, it's just a gradual, continual building over time. Remembering that should encourage us to look for the small steps as eagerly as we would the big jumps, and be grateful as we note their accumulation.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 30, 2015

President Henry B. Eyring on continuing education

President Eyring (1933- ) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007. These remarks were shared during a CES fireside address in 2001.

"No service that matters can be given over a lifetime by those who stop learning. A great teacher is always studying. A nurse never stops facing the challenge of dealing with something new, be it equipment or procedure. And the workplace in every industry is changing so rapidly that what we know today will not be enough for tomorrow. 

"Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And since what we will need to know is hard to discern, we need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. It also means that we cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark. 

"For many of us, the feeling bears down on us that we must choose between spiritual and secular learning. That is a false conflict for most of us, particularly for the young. Before we have families, there is leisure time even in what is our busiest day. Too often we use many hours for fun and pleasure, clothed in the euphemism 'I'm recharging my batteries.' Those hours could be spent reading and studying to gain knowledge, skills, and culture." 

- Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," CES fireside in Moscow, Idaho, on 6 May 2001; see Ensign, Oct 2002, p. 14.
Click here to read the full article

The ancient apostle Paul worried about those in the last days who would be "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).  President Eyring worries first that we don't even get that far—that instead, we stop learning altogether. So the first challenge is to be ongoing students, to be committed to learning, to be cautious and wise in how we use our free time in the midst of so many opportunities.

In modern revelation, the Lord has continued to issued this challenge: "...study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people" (D&C 90:15).  Clearly He intends for that to be an ongoing, continual process.

In addition, President Eyring assures us that we need not be overly concerned about the perceived choices of "spiritual" and "secular" learning, since both can lead to good ends. I love pondering D&C 88:77-80 where we are encouraged to study and teach not only the "doctrines of the kingdom," but also a list of topics that seems to include such diverse fields as astronomy, geology, history, current events, social issues, international relations, geography—quite a diverse list! But we should choose wisely where we devote our energies. The key, the second challenge from President Eyring, and the solution to Paul's concern, lies in invoking "the help of heaven" to guide us in what we should study.

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

Jan 18, 2015

President Heber J. Grant on the school of mortality

President Heber J. Grant (1856-1945) was ordained an apostle in 1882 when he was 25 years old.  He served as president of the Church from 1918 until his death in 1945 at age 88.  His tenure as president lasted over 26 years; only Brigham Young had a longer term (over 29 years).

"The Lord, knowing what is best for you and for me and for every individual, has given to us laws, which, if we obey, will make us more Godlike, will fit and qualify and prepare us to go back and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father and to receive that plaudit: 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'

"That is what we are laboring for.

"We are in a school, fitting, qualifying, and preparing ourselves that we may be worthy and capable of going back and dwelling in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and the man who claims that he knows the gospel is true and then does not live it, does not keep the commandments of God. Such a man will never attain to that strength, to that power, to that eminence, and to that capacity in the Church and Kingdom of God that he would attain if he obeyed the laws of God."

- Heber J. Grant, Era, 42:713; Gospel Standards, p. 40

One of the principles of eternity is that those who choose to obey the commandments of God receive blessings. President Grant lists one of those blessings: obedience to God's laws "will make us more Godlike" and prepare us to return to His presence. Mortality is a great "proving ground" during which we are proved or tested, and during which we prove our willingness to submit and obey.

How grateful we should be for this wonderful school, that qualifies and prepares us for eternity!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Ulisses Soares on learning and teaching the gospel

Elder Ulisses Soares (born October 2, 1958 in Brazil) has served as a Seventy since April 2005, and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since January 2013. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on April 1, 2018.

"As recorded in the book of Acts, Philip the evangelist taught the gospel to a certain Ethiopian who was a eunuch in charge of all the treasures belonging to the queen of Ethiopia. (See Acts 8:27.) While returning from worshipping in Jerusalem, he read the book of Isaiah. Compelled by the Spirit, Philip came closer to him and said, 'Understandest thou what thou readest?

"'And [the eunuch] said, How can I, except some man should guide me? …

"'Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.' (Acts 8:30–31, 35.)

"The question asked by this Ethiopian man is a reminder of the divine mandate we all have to seek to learn and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ. (D&C 88:77–78, 118; 130:18–19; 131:6.) In fact, in the context of learning and teaching the gospel, we are sometimes like the Ethiopian—we need the help of a faithful and inspired teacher; and we are sometimes like Philip—we need to teach and strengthen others in their conversion.

"Our purpose as we seek to learn and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ must be to increase faith in God and in His divine plan of happiness and in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and to achieve lasting conversion. Such increased faith and conversion will help us make and keep covenants with God, thus strengthening our desire to follow Jesus and producing a genuine spiritual transformation in us—in other words, transforming us into a new creature, as taught by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.) This transformation will bring us a more happy, productive, and healthy life and help us to maintain an eternal perspective. Isn’t this exactly what happened to the Ethiopian eunuch after he learned about the Savior and was converted to His gospel? The scripture says that 'he went on his way rejoicing.' (Acts 8:39.)"

- Ulisses Soares, "How Can I Understand?," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Soares speaks of a two-fold "divine mandate" given to each of us: "to seek to learn and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ." Learning must precede teaching, and so our quest should be continually to study, ponder, ad build on our understanding and testimony. Truly in this quest "we need the help of a faithful and inspired teacher." We should seek them out and be eager for their influence. Then, we are preparing to accept our opportunities to pass on what we have learned.

Our quest for divine knowledge brings many benefits: lasting personal conversion, increased faith, growing resolve to follow Jesus, spiritual transformation. And ultimately, the changes we experience "will bring us a more happy, productive, and healthy life."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder David A. Bednar on strengthening our homes

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Let me summarize a few basic implications of gospel learning becoming increasingly home centered and Church supported.

"The ultimate missionary training center is in our homes; secondary missionary training centers are located in Provo, Manila, Mexico City, and in other locations. Our most instructive Sunday School classes should be our individual and family study in our places of residence; helpful but secondary Sunday School classes are held in our meetinghouses.

"Family history centers now are in our homes. Supplemental support for our family history research work also is available in our meetinghouses.

"Vital temple preparation classes occur in our homes; important but secondary temple preparation classes also may be conducted periodically in our meetinghouses.

"Making our homes sanctuaries wherein we can 'stand in holy places' (D&C 101:22) is essential in these latter days. And as important as home-centered and Church-supported learning is for our spiritual strength and protection today, it will be even more vital in the future."

- David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Bednar addressed ideas about gospel study and strengthening home and family. The recent emphasis from Church leaders on "home-centered, church-supported" efforts is interesting to consider in different aspects, as Elder Bednar does here. It applies not just to gospel learning, but also to family history work, preparation to serve missions and to make sacred temple covenants, and in many other areas. We must have a better focus on making our homes a sacred haven from the world, where we can learn and grow together:

We have been warned regularly that things will likely become more difficult and challenging in the future. With that in mind, it's critical that we make efforts now to establish patterns of learning and worship in our homes so that they truly can be "sanctuaries" from the world.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder David A. Bednar on our individual responsibility to learn and grow

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Each member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an individual responsibility to learn and live the Lord’s teachings and to receive by proper authority the ordinances of salvation and exaltation. We should not expect the Church as an organization to teach or tell us everything we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end. (See D&C 121:29.) Rather, our personal responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to live as we know we should live, and to become who the Master would have us become. And our homes are the ultimate setting for learning, living, and becoming....

"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is for His children to become more like Him. Accordingly, He provides us with essential opportunities to grow and progress. Our commitment to learn and live according to truth is increasingly important in a world that is 'in commotion' (D&C 45:26) and is ever more confused and wicked. We cannot expect simply to attend Church meetings and participate in programs and thereby receive all of the spiritual edification and protection that will enable us 'to withstand in the evil day.' (Ephesians 6:13.)

"'Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness.' ('The Family: A Proclamation to the World,' Ensign, May 2017, 145.) Inspired Church leaders, teachers, and activities help individual and family efforts to grow spiritually. And though we all need help pressing forward on the covenant path, the ultimate responsibility for developing spiritual strength and stamina rests upon each one of us....

"If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand. We cannot rely exclusively upon or borrow gospel light and knowledge from other people—even those whom we love and trust."

- David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

A critical question for life is how we can learn and comprehend "everything we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end." Elder Bednar seems to be responding to a misconception that the Church provides that; instead, the major responsibility lies with each one of us.  While the church provides assistance and support, ultimately each of us must "work out or own salvation."

So the call is for us to "rise up" and be more faithful in learning, following, repenting, serving, and truly striving to follow the path of discipleship. 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the blessing of repetition

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

"Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing," Ensign, September 2011, p. 2
Click here to read the full article

I have personally been paying attention to general conference since my early teenage years, so that's about 50 years, twice a year. With 100 sessions of general conference, and typically about 6 talks per session, that's a LOT of talks, and a lot of chances for themes, topics, stories, scriptures, and applications to be repeated or reused! President Uchtdorf reminded us that there is nothing wrong about repetitive themes or talks; we should expect them, and recognize in them the blessing of being reminded, of having testimonies confirmed.

If we recognize repeated themes as "foundational principles of great eternal importance," we should be eager to focus on them and seek for blessings that come from pondering and applying the teachings. We will always be blessed to re-strengthen foundations as we continue to build upon them!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder David A. Bednar on acting as agents in our own progress

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

“Worldly influences would hinder use of our agency afforded through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  But we are agents who can act, and that affects everything in terms of how we live the gospel in our daily lives. It affects how we pray, how we study the scriptures, how we worship at church. There is a difference when one goes to a sacrament meeting essentially as an object waiting to be acted upon—‘Feed me, give me something’—as opposed to worshiping in sacrament meeting as an agent where you are acting—asking, seeking, and knocking."

- David A. Bednar, training shared with Church members in Europe, September 2011
Click here to read more information about this event

Elder Bednar provides an interesting insight into the world's influence on our lives and actions: the world strives to hinder or limit our agency. As we are "caught up" in the philosophies and activities of the world, we gradually lose ability to act as agents to ourselves. We must always resist that limiting influence and strive to retain our agency to the fullest possible, as we act according to God's plan for us:

So much depends on how we approach the opportunities and settings in our lives! Specifically, Elder Bednar suggests that we will be blessed as we actively seek to take control of our own growth and learning, "asking, seeking, and knocking" as we attend meetings or in any other setting. Good reminder!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the eternal purpose of each day

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"We are not chance creations in a universe of disorder. We lived before we were born. We were God’s sons and daughters who shouted for joy. (See Job 38:7.) We knew our Father; He planned our future. We graduated from that life and matriculated in this. The statement is simple; the implications are profound. Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever....

"While here, we have learning to gain, work to do, service to give. We are here with a marvelous inheritance, a divine endowment. How different this world would be if every person realized that all of his actions have eternal consequences. How much more satisfying our years may be if in our accumulation of knowledge, in our relationships with others, in our business affairs, in our courtship and marriage, and in our family rearing, we recognize that we form each day the stuff of which eternity is made. Brothers and sisters, life is forever. Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Pillars of Truth," First Presidency Message, Ensign, January 1994, pp. 2-5
Click here to read the full article

I love President Hinckley's powerful and ringing testimony: "Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever." He believed with all his heart that there is meaning and purpose to our mortal existence, directed by a divine power, a loving Father. So we need to fill our life with learning, work, and service.

Each day of our mortal life points us towards eternity. The actions and decisions we make have profound significance. "Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Spencer W. Kimball on spiritual education and training

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"Our training must not only teach us how to build dams and store water to dampen parched earth to make the desert blossom as the rose and feed starving humanity, but it must prepare us to dam our carnal inclinations and desires with self-denial, creating reservoirs to be filled with spirituality.

"We must study not only to cultivate fertile acres, plant seeds therein, and nurture them on to harvests, but we must plant in the hearts of men seeds of cleanliness and righteous living and faith and hope and peace.

"We must not only know how to kill weeds and noxious plants which befoul our crops, but learn to eradicate from the souls of men the noxious theories and manmade sophistries which would cloud issues and bring heartache and distress to men.

"We must not only be trained to inoculate and vaccinate and immunize against disease, set broken limbs, and cure illnesses, but we must be trained to clarify minds, heal broken hearts and create homes where sunshine will make an environment in which mental and spiritual health may be nurtured....

"Our schooling must not only teach us how to bridge the Niagara River gorge, or the Golden Gate, but must teach us how to bridge the deep gaps of misunderstanding and hate and discord in the world."

- Spencer W. Kimball, Safford Arizona High School Commencement, 5/16/46; see TSWK 391

It's interesting to consider the setting for this quote. A young Spencer W. Kimball (48 at the time) had been serving as stake president in Safford, Arizona where he was raising his family and was co-owner of an insurance business. Shortly after being called as an apostle and moving to Salt Lake City, he's asked to return to his hometown to speak at high school graduation. This poetic excerpt is from that address. I love how he compares the training offered in our worldly pursuits with the spiritual training and skills that are even more important to our success and happiness.

Note how appropriate the examples are for a small rural community such as Safford was: storing water for irrigation, cultivating lands and raising crops, controlling weeks and invasive crops, dealing with diseases and injuries, and solving basic engineering tasks. For each of these he offers a spiritual corollary that he invites his listeners to seek as part of their life-training. Wonderful counsel for all of us, not just for high school graduates!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the responsibilities of speakers and listeners in meetings

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915–April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"We come into these congregations, and sometimes a speaker brings a jug of living water that has in it many gallons. And when he pours it out on the congregation, all the members have brought is a single cup and so that’s all they take away. Or maybe they have their hands over the cups, and they don’t get anything to speak of.

"On other occasions we have meetings where the speaker comes and all he brings is a little cup of eternal truth, and the members of the congregation come with a large jug, and all they get in their jugs is the little dribble that came from a man who should have known better and who should have prepared himself and talked from the revelations and spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are obligated in the Church to speak by the power of the Spirit. We are commanded to treasure up the words of light and truth and then give forth the portion that is appropriate and needful on every occasion."

- Bruce R. McConkie, "The Seven Deadly Heresies," BYU Devotional, June 1, 1980
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This thought from Elder McConkie illustrates the situation that we encounter each time we attend a sacrament meeting, conference session, or class of any kind in Church meetings. How prepared are we to receive the messages that will be shared? Do we come with minds, hearts, and spirits open and eager? Or are we distracted, unprepared, or uninvolved?

So much depends on how we prepare ourselves. Are we eager to learn, acknowledging that we can learn from any speaker or teacher, and are we open to direct personal inspiration that may come as speakers share their messages?

The Lord taught Joseph Smith this critical message too. When the one teaching is prepared and worthy to "preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth," and the listener is equally prepared to "receive it by the Spirit of truth," then the power of spiritual communication occurs, and "he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (See D&C 50:17-22)

Of course, Elder McConkie also emphasizes how critical it is that the speaker or teacher comes, having "prepared himself and talked from the revelations and spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit." The burden of preparation rests heavily on his shoulders first!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neil L. Andersen on spiritual understanding in Church settings

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"Spiritual understanding rarely comes from a lecture. It comes in classrooms where questions are welcome, where doubts and fears can be expressed, and where honest opinions are never dismissed. It comes from obedience, private study, and prayer. Spiritually, the classroom of faith becomes less like a lecture hall and more like a fitness center. Students do not get stronger by watching someone else do the exercises. They learn and then participate. As their spiritual strength increases, they gain confidence and apply themselves all the more.

"The Savior taught by listening and observing. After teaching and healing the multitude, He fed them. (See Matthew 15:32–38.) To the woman caught in adultery, He wrote in the sand. (See John 8:6.) Before He healed the daughter of the leader of the synagogue, He asked those who did not believe to leave the house. (See Mark 5:40.) And to Caiaphas, the high priest, He said nothing. (See Matthew 26:63.)

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell summarized effective teaching in these words: 'Do not be afraid of repetitious teaching. Ask inspired questions. Typically, but not always, two-way dialogue is better than one-way monologue.' (Neal A. Maxwell, in David A. Bednar, Act in Doctrine (2012), 124.)

"Use the scriptures; share simple stories, parables, and real-life examples; ask questions; invite students to teach and to share their feelings; encourage them to act in faith and to report on what they are learning.

"Keep your teaching centered in the doctrine. Alma taught: 'Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption.' (Alma 12:32; italics added.)

"Commandments are best understood in the context of the doctrine of Christ."

- Neil L. Andersen, "A Classroom of Faith, Hope, and Charity," broadcast for instructors and personnel in the Church Educational System on February 28, 2014
Click here to read the full talk

This is an interesting excerpt to consider, both from the perspective of a teacher and from that of a learner. The teacher must do the things in a formal classroom setting that will facilitate the maximum amount of learning, both intellectually and especially spiritually. But the learner also has a great responsibility to participate in the most effective ways:

As we have formal opportunities to be a teacher in Church settings, we should remember what a sacred responsibility and obligation that is. It is not something to be done casually; it requires significant effort, pondering, preparation, and divine guidance.

But I continue to wonder if we are doing all we can as learners in the Church. Do I make efforts to be prepared to be taught? Am I eager to participate and share? Do I make those personal efforts in areas of "obedience, private study, and prayer"?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Orson F. Whitney on the importance of spiritual learning

Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931), a journalist, teacher, poet, and historian, was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1906 and served until his death in 1931 at age 75.

"This people are the friends, not the foes, of education; that they are seekers after wisdom, lovers of light and truth, universal Truth, which, like the waters of earth, or the sunbeams of heaven, has but one Source, let its earthly origin be what it may.
     'Truth is truth, wher'er 'tis found,
     On Christian or on heathen ground,'
and worthy of our love and admiration, whether far or near, high or low, whether blazing as a star in the blue vault of heaven, or springing like a floweret from the soil.

"'Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study, and also by faith.' (D&C 88:118)

"Why did the Lord so instruct his Prophet? Why did the Prophet so teach his people? It was because God had designed, and his prophet had foreseen, a great and glorious future for that people....

"Literature means learning, and it is from the 'best books' we are told to seek it. This does not merely mean the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Church works and religious writings—though these indeed are 'the best books,' and will ever be included in and lie at the very basis of our literature. But it also means history, poetry, philosophy, art and science, languages, government—all truth in fact, wherever found, either local or general, and relating to times past, present or to come.

"Yes, the Prophet even meant revelation, inspiration. immediate and direct; for does he not say, 'seek learning by study and also by faith'? Faith points to futurity, to things that will be; study pertains more to the past, to things that have been. History is temporal; prophecy is spiritual. The past is great, but the future will be greater. The dead letter may be precious, but the living oracle is beyond all price."

- Orson F. Whitney, "Home Literature," speech at the YMMIA Conference, June 3, 1888, and subsequently published July 1888 in The ContributorClick here to read the full article

This is a fascinating article by Elder Whitney, in which he encouraged the Saints to focus on personal education in a variety of opportunities and settings; but especially to be advocates of "home literature" and to take every advantage of learning from personal efforts to read and study. Truth can be found in many sources, and we truly should "seek learning" by our study of "the best books" and by our faith. Well we might ask ourselves how we are doing in our pursuit of understanding in "history, poetry, philosophy, art and science, languages, government"—a wide variety of endeavors!

As we seek learning by revelation, this explanation of the relationship between faith and study is especially interesting. It helps to give some perspective to our efforts, and to make sure that all we do is grounded on a spiritual foundation.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder David A. Bednar on education and intelligence

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"The revelations teach us that 'the glory of God is intelligence' (D&C 93:36). We typically may think the word intelligence in this scripture denotes innate cognitive ability or a particular gift for academic work. In this verse, however, one of the meanings of intelligence is the application of knowledge for righteous purposes. As President David O. McKay taught:

"'True education—the education [or learning] for which the Church stands—is the application of knowledge to the development of a noble and Godlike character.' ('True Education,' Improvement Era 60, no. 3 (March 1957): 141)

"We are blessed in mortality with endless opportunities to apply what we learn and know for righteousness—or to increase in intelligence. And learning from experience is one of the primary vehicles provided in the Father’s plan of happiness to accomplish this eternally important outcome. Consequently, we should not equate intelligence exclusively with formal education, academic degrees, or professional success. Some of the most educated people I have ever known had little or no intelligence. And some of the most intelligent people I have ever known had little or no formal education.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith is a prime example of an uneducated person who learned from experience and was filled with the light and truth of intelligence. (See D&C 93:36.)"

- David A. Bednar, "Walk in the Meekness of My Spirit," BYU University Conference, Aug. 28, 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The definition of intelligence as "the application of knowledge for righteous purposes" is not what we normally associate with it; that might be what we more commonly call wisdom. But Elder Bednar gives a good explanation of the scriptural application of the term and how it relates to our learning and education. And the importance of "learning from experience" through our mortality is critical.

Intelligence and education can take many forms in our lives, and we should be careful in how we assume they relate and are manifest in others. There are some remarkably intelligent people who have very little education!

In any case, they key is that we should strive to grow in both intelligence and education, and we will find the Spirit can enhance our efforts in both directions.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on seeking learning through study and faith

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"In modern revelation the Lord has told us to 'seek learning … by study and also by faith.' (D&C 109:7.)

"We seek learning by studying the accumulated wisdom of various disciplines and by using the powers of reasoning placed in us by our Creator.

"We should also seek learning by faith in God, the giver of revelation. I believe that many of the great discoveries and achievements in science and the arts have resulted from a God-given revelation. Seekers who have paid the price in perspiration have been magnified by inspiration.

"The acquisition of knowledge by revelation is an extra bonus to seekers in the sciences and the arts, but it is the fundamental method for those who seek to know God and the doctrines of his gospel. In this area of knowledge, scholarship and reason are insufficient.

"A seeker of truth about God must rely on revelation. I believe this is what the Book of Mormon prophet meant when he said, 'To be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.' (2 Ne. 9:29.) It is surely what the Savior taught when he said, 'Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.' (Matt. 16:17.)

"The way to revelation is righteousness."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Alternate Voices," General Conference April 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The admonition from the Lord to "seek learning … by study and also by faith" is an important one to remember. We apply ourselves to the first half of the process, though perhaps not enough—there is much we could study and learn if we made greater efforts to focus our personal study efforts. But we also often neglect the second part of the guideline, that of using faith to gain knowledge.

President Oaks points out that even our "secular" learning can benefit from spiritual assistance, as we find that those "who have paid the price in perspiration have been magnified by inspiration." But then, in the realm of matters of the spirit, we must apply both our study and our faith in order to truly benefit:

President Oaks gives wise counsel in this address about the process of learning through faith. We are blessed as we make those efforts to grow and expand in our learning, both temporally and spiritually!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President James E. Faust on the abundant life and continuing to learn

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The Savior said, 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' (John 10:10.) How is the abundant life to be obtained? The abundant life involves an endless search for knowledge, light, and truth....

"We gain knowledge from two sources. One is the divine and the other is secular. Rex E. Lee has referred to them as the 'rational process and the extrarational process.' (BYU Speeches 1981-82, p. 131.) We are all more familiar with the rational process that we learned in school and through lifelong study. The extrarational, or divine source, is less common. This source is, however, more sure. Both sources may be available to us. Fortunately, we do not have to choose one to the exclusion of the other. Brother Lee continues, 'We should feel equally at home in the academy and in the temple. We should regard each as a center of learning.' (Speeches, p. 132.)

"We are apparently part of an expanding universe. Secular knowledge is expanding very rapidly. Our knowledge of gospel truth is also expanding. Prophets continue to speak. Increased understanding of the scriptures is also possible. And so the opportunities for the abundant life increase as we pursue the quest for truth and knowledge."

- James E. Faust, "The Abundant Life," General Conference, October 1985
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The Savior taught that through Him and His mission, we might have a more abundant life. The word "might" implies that the result is not guaranteed, but only obtained when proper conditions are met. President Faust teaches that we find that abundant life when we continue to "search for knowledge, light, and truth.." Becoming stagnant in the learning process means a loss of progress and richness.

The second great truth is that we should learn both temporally and spiritually, symbolically "in the academy and in the temple." Or, in the language of the Lord, "seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118).

There is so much to learn! Temporal knowledge is expanding dramatically as our understanding of the world, the universe, science, life, etc. grows continually. And President Faust teaches that our spiritual opportunities are growing equally as there is an increase of light and understanding being offered to us through today's teachings and technologies. As we apply ourselves to take advantage of all these opportunities, we will truly discover "the abundant life"!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)