Education is considered a modern commodity, but how often do we consider its role in reaching our divine potential?
Life is full of learning opportunities. But the knowledge gained from formal education is unique in that it refines not only the mind, but the whole person. This transformative knowledge should be the goal for those that seek to become like God—“for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things” (Alma 26:35). This godly wisdom can be acquired through a deep study of the humanities, arts, and sciences—and ultimately, the self.
Photo by Joanna Kosinska
In her BYU Speech titled “Women and Education: A Future Only God Could See For You,” Eva Witesman says that “the commandment to pursue education—no matter how temporally useful—is really about the development of our spirits and our spiritual gifts.” She continues, “We seek knowledge because it makes us more like God and brings us closer to Him, and His central trait is pure and benevolent love for all of humanity. The more we become like Him through knowledge…, the more these things will lead us to service in every aspect of our lives.” In other words, if we faithfully seek increased knowledge through formal education, we will develop Christlike love and a passion for blessing the lives of others through service.
Though we may desire to use our education to bless the lives of others, we may not always be able to see how our education applies to the “real world” or even our eternal lives. However, Witesman promises that “[God] is preparing and qualifying you for the work He wants you to do. He will continually guide you to ways in which your knowledge and skills can be of benefit to yourself, your family, your community, and His kingdom.” With this knowledge we can be lifelong learners and strive to let our education refine us and enable us to reach our divine potential—for love, service, and personal development.
Read Eva Witesman’s address “Women and Education: A Future Only God Could See For You” to learn more about the essential role of education in living with purpose and power.
Source: BYU Speeches
—Myla Parke, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY PANG YUHAO
Find more insights
Read “Words of the Prophet: Seek Learning” by President Gordon B. Hinckley to learn about the promised blessings of seeking education.
Learn more about what education means beyond the classroom in Hugh W. Pinnock’s address “Ten Characteristics of an Educated Person.”
Take a look at the value of lifelong learning as taught by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Kristen M. Oaks in their Ensign article “Learning and Latter-day Saints.”