8 Things General Authorities Have Said About Education

BY: Kylee Hale

Obedience. Self-reliance. Discipleship. Responsibility.

These are just four reasons why leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have stressed the importance of education. We are taught that whatever knowledge we gain in this life will be taken with us in the next life.¹ As we reflect and act on this promise given by Joseph Smith, we will receive blessings beyond our imagination.

Let’s take a look at what General Authorities have said regarding education.

1. Obtaining an education is a commandment

“For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea — it’s a commandment.” — Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“Because of our sacred regard for each human intellect, we consider the obtaining of an education to be a religious responsibility. Yet opportunities and abilities differ. I believe that in the pursuit of education, individual desire is more influential than institution, and personal faith more forceful than faculty.” — President Russell M. Nelson

2. Education helps us become self-reliant

“Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity.” — President Gordon B. Hinckley

“The best way I know of to make a contribution to the land we live in is to be prepared for the future. The Lord has promised us if we are prepared we should have no fear. If we make an effort to obtain the best education available to us, we are in a better position to be self-sufficient and not to become a burden on the society in which we live.” — Elder L. Tom Perry

3. Both spiritual and secular learning strengthens our discipleship

“In revelation the Lord has mandated that this people get all the education they can. He has been very clear about this… your education will strengthen your service in the Church. A study was made some years ago that indicated the higher the education, the greater the faith and participation in religious activity.” — President Gordon B. Hinckley

“At Brigham Young University and in the other institutions of the Church Educational System, we are concerned with teaching the fundamentals of spiritual and secular knowledge and with bringing those teachings into harmony in the lives of men and women in order to prepare them for a balanced and full life of service to God and fellow man.” — 4. Education is an ongoing responsibility

“Education prepares you for better employment opportunities. It puts you in a better position to serve and to bless those around you. It will set you on a path of lifelong learning. Education will prepare you for what is ahead.” — Elder Robert D. Hales

“Education should never stop, but should be a continuing activity throughout life.” — Victor L. Brown

Heed the counsel of the prophets

Because the Lord has commanded us to gain an education, He will provide a way for His children² to reach that expectation. The creation and expansion of BYU-Pathway Worldwide is a manifestation of that promise.

As individuals around the world have access to a university education, they can participate in the blessings of obedience, self-reliance, discipleship, and responsibility that education offers.

To learn more about how PathwayConnect can bring you closer to God and your degree, visit byupathway.lds.org to apply today!

1.  ^ Doctrine and Covenants 130

2.  ^ 1 Nephi 3:7