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September 11, 2017

6 Ways to Increase your Spirituality Throughout your Education

“One of the genuine needs we all have in order to live happier and to be more successful is to increase our own spirituality.” -Elder Joe J. Christensen1

As God’s children, increasing our spirituality is a goal that many of us hope to continually achieve. While there are many ways to grow spiritually, an often-overlooked opportunity is through the lifelong endeavor of learning. Education can be a powerful tool to increase faith, share beliefs, and learn from others.

Here are six actions you can start doing today to increase your spirituality while learning:

1. Look for gospel principles and doctrines in every lesson

Education can be a powerful tool to increase faith, share beliefs, and learn from others. 

In all learning, truth can be found. Whether you are enrolled in a BYU-Idaho religion course or an economics course at a local university, there is truth to be learned and implemented. During these courses, prayerfully consider what truths can be applied to your own life. Let the Spirit guide you in your understanding.

Testimony:

tes-ti-mo-ny noun

A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a sacred opportunity and responsibility to obtain their own testimonies.2

2. Share your faith and knowledge with others

It is often said that the best way to learn is through teaching others — and the same applies to spiritual principles. When appropriate, share your testimony of the gospel with other students. Sharing these truths can provide understanding for others and can help you strengthen your own testimony.

3. Make prayer a part of your educational endeavors

“As we make a habit of approaching God in prayer, we will come to know Him and draw even nearer to Him.” (Gospel Topics from lds.org)

When you take the time to thank Heavenly Father for the opportunities you have to learn and ask for His help in the process, you will find both an increase of testimony and academic abilities. Praying for understanding in your studies will bless your life as you put forth an honest effort.

“As we make a habit of approaching God in prayer, we will come to know Him and draw even nearer to Him.”

4. Act upon what you are learning

With every truth that can be found in a lesson or discussion, there are opportunities to apply gospel principles in your own life. When you act on the promptings and truths you feel through your learning, the Lord will bless you with His Spirit and your spirituality can increase.

5. Express charity to others; especially those struggling with coursework

When you take the time to serve those around you and humble yourself to do so, the Spirit will be more present in your life and your learning. 

You have the opportunity to show Christlike love through kind words and actions. Taking the time to serve and support those in your courses and gatherings can give you a greater sense of the love Christ has for them and for you. When you take the time to serve those around you and humble yourself to do so, the Spirit will be more present in your life and your learning.

6. Rely on the Lord to overcome trials and reach your academic goals

Sometimes mental barriers or the difficulty of coursework can discourage us in our studies. That is the reality of seeking a university degree — it’s not always easy. But there is a loving Savior who understands your doubts, frustrations, and shortcomings. If you turn to Him and allow His strength to help you through your studies, you will feel an increase of the Spirit.

PathwayConnect offers spiritual growth

To start your academic and spiritual journey, visit byupathway.lds.org and apply today!


1. ^ “Ten Ideas to Increase Your Spirituality,” given by Elder Joe J. Christensen at BYU-Hawaii in 1997.
2.  ^ “Testimony,” gospel topics from lds.org. 

Comments on "6 Ways to Increase your Spirituality Throughout your Education"

I like how you mentioned that sharing your testimony with others can be a good way to help you strengthen your spirituality. I would imagine that it would be a good idea to look for a worship center or some kind of religious school when you are trying to find people on the same path as you. It seems like trying to become more spiritual with others is the best way to improve yourself.

Valeria Silva Fortunato says:

I am really glad to be part of this. This is my first semester. My first two weeks I was worried if I could accomplish everything required. I am having wonderful experiences with all spiritual materials to read and learn, it is have being a spiritual experience with all lessons If we trust to the Lord and being diligent, constant and applying all tips and ideas, the Lord will guide us. Thank you for these 6 steps to improve my spirituality throughout education.

J.A. Banez says:

We are glad that you enjoyed this article Valerie. We wish you the best of luck with your first semester! Keep us updated!

Josephine says:

Lovely i liked the part that should rely on ,Lord to over come trials . Thanks for sharing.Trials are of many forms.

J.A. Banez says:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We are glad that you enjoyed the article!

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ruby says:

Thank you for sharing this. It’s just what I needed to hear.

Kylee Hale says:

Ruby, I’m glad you were able to find this useful! Good luck in your future endeavors.

Sally Gross says:

It is an understatement when I say I love PathwayConnect. It has taken me to the next level. I am enjoying life so much more. I want everyone to take the opportunity to dive into a “better you” with this inspired program.

Kylee Hale says:

Sally, I’m so happy for you and your experiences. The gospel truly makes our lives happier and PathwayConnect is a great way to apply the gospel more in our every day lives! I hope you continue to have such great experiences as you continue on your journey!

Themba says:

Great advice, thank you!

Kylee Hale says:

You’re very welcome. Thank you for reading!

Jeanne Liberato says:

Thank you, this was encouraging. It was great to hear Elder Rasband’s talk again.

Kylee Hale says:

I’m glad to hear this was an uplifting read for you! Our leaders of the Church are so inspired and I am personally grateful for the words they share that we can read over and over again.

Cher Burbank says:

One statement that struck me when reading this was to thank Heavenly Father for this opportunity and then ask for the spirit to be with us while we study. How else will we be able to grow spiritually unless we are thankful in our hearts for all that we have been given?

Kylee Hale says:

Thank you for your comment, Cher. I have learned from experience that our Father in Heaven really does care about us and our education and if we just reach out to Him, He will be there to lead and guide us along the way. I hope and pray that this is something that will stay with you forever.

Gordon G Wyatt says:

I find the entire course to be very inspiring and rewarding.

Kylee Hale says:

I’m so happy to hear that you’ve had such a positive experience in PathwayConnect! Good luck with your continuing educational endeavors.

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