Learning: Are You Giving Your All?

The choice to be intentional about education can make all the difference

BY: Joseph Klenotich

A religious responsibility

Do you believe that learning is a commandment of God? After reviewing the Ten Commandments in your mind, you may be wondering where learning fits in. Is it really that important to get an education? Actually, yes! God has always commanded His children to learn, and because He has, we will each be held accountable.

The Lord explained that we should “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”¹ Modern prophets also teach the importance of getting an education. “Your mind is precious! It is sacred,” said President Russell M. Nelson. “Therefore, the education of one’s mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility.”² Both the scriptures and modern-day prophets confirm that secular and spiritual learning are a commandment of God.

Give learning your all

Even though you may recognize the value of education, learning can still be challenging. When you feel too busy to finish your homework or have difficulty learning a concept, it can be easy to become frustrated. Don’t lose hope! No matter where you are in your educational journey, here are three steps you can take to give learning your all:

1. Recommit to learn diligently

You will be strengthened as you renew your commitment to learn. As time passes, you may forget why you started or lose motivation to continue. In his general conference message, “Standing by Our Promises and Covenants,” Elder Ronald A. Rasband asked, “Do we stand by our promises, … or are they sometimes half-hearted commitments, casually made and hence easily broken?”³ If you feel you are only partially committed to your education, renew your commitment today.

However unmotivated you might feel, you can make a whole-hearted commitment to try again. When you make a whole-hearted commitment, you strive to make consistent efforts, despite any setbacks.

2. Learn something new every day

If you were to plant one tree in the shade and another tree in the sunlight, you would see a drastic difference in the trees’ growth over time. The tree that grew in the sunlight would be significantly stronger and taller because of its daily, consistent access to the sun’s energy. In a similar way, we each require daily sunlight, or knowledge, to grow to our fullest potential.

Don’t stay in the shade. Try to learn something new every day — you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish!

3. Notice the hand of the Lord

As you learn, take some time to consider how the Lord is blessing you. As Elder Robert D. Hales said, “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.”⁴

If you look closely and are patient, you will notice blessings from the Lord all around you! Doing so will give you greater joy and purpose in your education.

You can have confidence

In his message, “True Disciples of the Savior,” Elder Terence M. Vinson explained, “Giving our all doesn’t mean that we will be continually enveloped in blessings or always have success. But it does mean that we will have joy. … Joy is enduring and is founded on our efforts being accepted by the Lord.”⁵

All the Lord asks of us is that we try our best. As you follow these steps to improve your efforts in education, you can have confidence that you are striving to fulfill God’s commandment to learn.

How have you been blessed as you’ve fully committed to earn an education? Comment below! 

1.^ D&C 109:7
2.^ Russell M. Nelson, “Education: A Religious Responsibility,” [Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional, Jan. 26, 2010], byui.edu
3.^ Ronald A. Rasband, “Standing by Our Promises and Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2019
4.^ Robert D. Hales, “Meeting the Challenges of Today’s World,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2015
5.^ Terence M. Vinson, “True Disciples of the Savior,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2019