The Need For Education – Sunday, September 20, 1981
Once again, in most communities in this country, the learning process is underway in the schools—from kindergarten through college and on into adult education. It is a life-giving source of enrichment, not only in professional preparation, but in the overall enjoyment of life here upon the earth.
We are told that “the Glory of God is intelligence…”1 that “a wise man will hear and will increase learning…”2 This admonition applies to both the temporal and spiritual spheres.
True education is the paramount purpose of a free people. It helps us develop fundamental operating principles in our lives that can guide and influence us for good. It helps make living happier by contributing to the prosperity, peace, and security of our country. And so, as a free people, we must always strive for the highest and best in education.
And as individuals, learning should be a lifelong endeavor…a continuing exercise in thinking, preparing and living. The very process of learning helps us develop and preserve such valuable habits of the mind as curiosity, objectivity, open-mindedness, respect for evidence, and the capacity to think critically. It awakens and encourages a love of truth and contributes to our individual wellbeing as long as life endures.
Learning need not always be a formal exercise that takes place in a classroom or in a library. Sometimes, we become educated when we least expect it. We learn through our day-to-day accomplishments, and we learn about ourselves through living. That, too, is an important part of education—learning what is inside us, finding the spark of truth that God has put into every heart, acquiring the inner knowledge of what is right and wrong for each one of us.
And some of our most vital learning takes place as we study the scriptures. We learn not only the truths of this earth, but the truth of the Creator. We learn to know Him, to have confidence in him, to have faith in His laws. We learn to love Him and to serve Him, not because we fear Him but because we have knowledge of His purpose.
Yes, for most of us, the beginning of a school year is a reminder of our life-long education process, a process that includes the growth of spiritual knowledge as well as temporal learning.
1 Doctrine and Covenants 93:26
2 Proverbs 1:5
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September 20, 1981
Broadcast Number 2,718