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Seek Learning and Education

Ponder:The prophets have said that education is the key to opportunity. What evidence have you seen that this is true?

“The Glory of God Is Intelligence” (No video? Read the next page.)

Discuss:Why does Alexander believe lifelong learning is important? What does Emelda feel about education and studying hard? How did a PEF loan help her? Was this a good reason to go into debt?

Read:Doctrine and Covenants 88:118–19; Handbook 2, 6.1.1 (on the right)

“Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. … Establish a house … of learning.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:118–19

“[Church members] should improve in their ability to read, write, and do basic mathematics. They should obtain as much education as they can, including formal or technical schooling where possible.”

Handbook 2, 6.1.1

Practice:We can continue learning throughout our lives. In the box below, write down something you learned recently from each of these sources of learning.

Sources of Learning	Something I Learned Recently from These Sources
People around me, my leaders
Life experiences
Books and media
Classroom/teachers
The scriptures, the temple, the Holy Ghost

Discuss:How can you continue to learn and grow every day?

Commit:Commit to doing the following actions during the week. Check the boxes when you complete each task:

• Look for opportunities to learn, and write what you learn.

• Teach your family about the different sources of lifelong learning. Consider ways your family could gain more education—for both adults and children.

• Continue to practice the previous foundation principles.

“We have a responsibility and a challenge to take our places in the world of business, science, government, medicine, education, and every other worthwhile and constructive vocation. We have an obligation to train our hands and minds to excel in the work of the world for the blessing of all mankind.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “A City upon a Hill,” Ensign, July 1990, 5

The Glory of God Is Intelligence

If you are unable to watch the video, choose roles and read this script.

NARRATOR: Alexander is a man from Peru who dedicates his life to learning and teaching. He shared the following:

ALEXANDER: When I was young, my father taught us to study and to value education.

There are two things we can do to progress and prosper in this life. First, be faithful and endure to the end. Second, study and learn.

I’ve learned throughout my life that education is the key temporal means we have to accomplish our life goals.

I went on a mission with very little knowledge of the gospel but with a great desire to do the right things and to learn.

I wasn’t in classrooms, but I believe that my mission was the greatest time of learning in my life.

I take opportunities to learn wherever I am: In my home, at work, at the church, at the university, or even on the bus. I’m always trying to learn.

The temple is the most important place in my life and the best school on the earth.

NARRATOR: Emelda is a convert to the Church from South Africa who realized her dream through a Perpetual Education Fund loan. She shared her testimony:

EMELDA: Being a top student is not something I owe to myself; I owe it to the Church! I knew joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was going to take me to greater spiritual realms, but I never imagined it would open the doors for me academically. …

Learning the gospel was truly a wake-up call for me. It made me realize that I was in charge of my own destiny. … Regardless of our current circumstances and what we may feel, I have no doubt that my Heavenly Father has good plans for us.