“Spiritual learning takes precedence. The secular without the foundation of the spiritual is … like the foam upon the milk, the fleeting shadow. … One need not choose between the two … for there is opportunity to get both simultaneously” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, p. 390).
Joseph F. Smith stated" “The
greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize
themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the
example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them
away from the knowledge that they have obtained. …
“From
my boyhood I have desired to learn the principles of the gospel in such
a way … that it would matter not to me who might fall from the truth, …
my foundation would be … certain in the truths … I have learned” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939, pp. 3–4).
Profound
spiritual truth cannot simply be poured from one mind and heart to
another. It takes faith and diligent effort. Precious truth comes a
small piece at a time through faith, with great exertion, and at times
wrenching struggles. The Lord intends it be that way so that we can
mature and progress. Moroni said, “Dispute not because ye see not, for
ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6). To explain that truth, President Harold B. Lee gave this wise instruction:
“The
Savior’s blood, His atonement, will save us, but only after we have
done all we can to save ourselves by keeping His commandments. All of
the principles of the gospel are principles of promise by which the
plans of the Almighty are unfolded to us” (Ye Are the Light of the World, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, p. 245).
As packets of knowledge unfold, they must be understood, valued, obeyed, remembered, and expanded. I’ll explain:
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Understood. As each element of truth is encountered,
you must carefully examine it in the light of prior knowledge to
determine where it fits. Ponder it; inspect it inside out. Study it from
every vantage point to discover hidden meaning. View it in perspective
to confirm you have not jumped to false conclusions. Prayerful
reflection yields further understanding. Such evaluation is particularly
important when the truth comes as an impression of the Spirit.
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Valued. You show knowledge is valued by expressing
appreciation for it, especially in heartfelt prayers of gratitude. The
Lord said: “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made
glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an
hundred fold, yea, more” (D&C 78:19).
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Obeyed. Obedient application of truth is the surest
way of making it eternally yours. The wise use of knowledge will
permeate your life with its precious fruit.
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Remembered. Powerful spiritual direction in your life
can be overcome or forced into the background unless you provide a way
to retain it. Brigham Young declared, “If you love the truth you can
remember it” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe,
Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954, p. 10). Knowledge carefully
recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive
information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the
Lord how you treasure it. That practice enhances the likelihood of your
receiving further light.
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Expanded. This thought refers to rich benefits that
come from your efforts to enlarge, extend, and increase your
understanding of truth. Use the scriptures and the declarations of the
prophets to expand your knowledge. You will find that efforts to share
knowledge are often rewarded with more understanding as additional light
flows into your mind and heart (see D&C 8:2–3).
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