A New Year's Resolution

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge” (History of the Church, 4:588). On another occasion the Prophet stated, “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6). I’m sure I could list numerous other scriptures and quotations from the prophets about the importance of gaining knowledge, particularly those things related to the gospel plan. Growing in our knowledge and understanding of the gospel is essential as we navigate the difficult waters of mortality and as we prepare for life in the eternities.

We have a new opportunity for expanding our gospel knowledge beginning in 2009. The course of study for the Gospel Doctrine class is the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History. Unlike the previous three years of study (Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Mormon) which discuss the gospel as written by the ancients, this year we have the opportunity to study the restoration of the gospel in our time. We begin with the stories of those who are only a few generations removed and continue into our own day and time. This is our story. The revelations were given to address the challenges and needs of those living in these latter days.

The question is this: What will we do with the 2009 course of study? Will we do as so many of us have done in the past, show up and enjoy the class, but do little with the information and fail to study the readings? Remembering the vital importance of continually expanding our knowledge of the gospel, it behooves us to do something more. The 2009 course of study gives us that opportunity.

I would suggest the following resolutions for 2009:

• Prepare for each class by at least studying the suggested scriptures as listed in the Class Member Study Guide, along with the suggested reading from the book Our Heritage. If we are truly serious about expanding our gospel knowledge, then we might study other relevant texts, such as the History of the Church by Joseph Smith or the Comprehensive History of the Church by B.H. Roberts.
  

• Over the past two years, I have suggested the keeping of a Gospel Doctrine notebook. Each Sunday afternoon (or evening) take a few moments to sit down and enter your thoughts regarding the lesson. Focus on that which has inspired you and touched your heart. Write down how you might more fully live that teaching or principle during the following week.
  

Are we serious about expanding our gospel knowledge? If so, then make a commitment in 2009 to be more actively involved in scripture study, particularly as it relates to the Gospel Doctrine curriculum. The above is just a suggestion. If there are other ways to more fully engage yourself in gospel study during the next year, write down a goal and then do it. Such activities in 2009 can make a positive impact in your life, prepare you for the difficulties which seem to surround us, and bring you closer to the Lord.

Knowledge of Eternal Truth Is Essential

A couple weeks ago I prepared to teach the Joseph Smith lesson Gaining Knowledge of Eternal Truths. A study of this lesson reminds us of the necessity of learning, particularly those things of eternal significance. The Prophet's attitude towards searching for the truth and seeking knowledge has impacted the Church throughout its history.

In 1843, the Prophet instructed the Saints regarding the importance of gaining education and knowledge, "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" (D&C 130:18-19). The Prophet also taught that "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance" (D&C 131:16). Without question, the process of seeking out eternal truth is vital. We know of its importance in this life. It is essential in the next.

The lesson manual shared this interesting quotation from the Prophet, “Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is. … In knowledge there is power. God has more power than all other beings, because He has greater knowledge; and hence He knows how to subject all other beings to Him. He has power over all” (History of the Church, 4:588).

As I read this quotation, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Groundhog Day. The movie stars Bill Murray who played the role of Phil Connors, a weatherman that traveled to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to report on the annual Groundhog Day festivities. As Phil had been there in previous years, he had no enthusiasm for making the trip to this small Pennsylvania town. After completing his reporting assignment, Phil, along with his cameraman and producer, attempted to return home. However, a snowstorm blocked their return and they were stuck in Punxsutawney for second night. When Phil woke up the following morning, it was once again Groundhog Day. In fact, every morning, Phil keeps waking up to the same day with all of the same things happening around him.

After a couple of days, Phil begins to take advantage of the information learned on this repeating day by taking advantage of others and doing things he would not normally do, such as robbing an armored car and eating like there was no tomorrow (which there wasn’t). Eventually, he gets bored and depressed and makes several attempts at taking his life, once again waking up and finding another Groundhog Day. Over time, Phil begins to utilize the information he learns to improve his life.

As the story progresses, Phil is sitting in the local diner one afternoon visiting with Rita, his producer. Phil tries to explain to Rita what is happening to him and states that he is a god, not the God. He then tells intimate details about several people in the cafe and predicts that one of the servers will drop a tray (which he does). He explains to Rita that maybe God became God because he went through all of this so many times. Even after this discussion, Phil continues to utilize the knowledge he learns. On what becomes his last Groundhog Day, Phil utilizes his knowledge to serve others in what becomes a perfect day.

I have found a lot of truth in what happened to Phil. At first, Phil abused the knowledge he gained. Then he realized there was a higher road and utilized that knowledge to improve himself and provide service to others. Knowledge is power. Obtained and used wisely, we can have great power for good. In an eternal sense, it is necessary to continue progress towards our eternal destiny.

Sometimes I feel like Phil. I wake up in the morning, going through the same routine: shower, dress, eat breakfast, drive to work, and spend a day at work. Life is repetitive. Maybe not as repetitive as Groundhog Day, but still our days are similar. Nonetheless, like Phil, we have the opportunity to mine each day for new knowledge. Are we doing so? Are we actively striving to improve ourselves with the knowledge we obtain? Are we using that knowledge to serve others? If so, we are on a course to become like our Heavenly Father.

As we approach the end of this year, it is a good time to sit back and examine our lives. What are we doing with each day? What can we do during the coming year to learn more of our Heavenly Father and his gospel? How can we take that knowledge and use it to improve ourselves and bless the lives of others?