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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. Christensen 1
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Ten Ideas to Increase Your Spirituality,” given by Elder Joe J. Christensen at BYU-Hawaii in 1997.

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.

Two People Reading on Temple Grounds
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.

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.

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
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Testimony,” Gospel Topics

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 )

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.

Family Praying Together
“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.

Learn more about acting on promptings of the Spirit in Elder Rasband’s talk “ Let the Holy Spirit Guide ,” given during General Conference April 2017.

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

Jesus Washing the Feet of Others
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.org and apply today!