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How Education Helps Build the Kingdom of God

By earning an education, you become an integral part of the Lord’s work

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Ever wondered how continuing your education can help you participate in the Lord’s work to build His kingdom? In the 1830s, the Lord revealed the importance of education — especially in these last days — for the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Seek diligently … words of wisdom,” the Lord said. “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” 1

Since then, every prophet of the Church has reminded the Lord’s people of their responsibility to educate themselves and to use their acquired knowledge and skills to help build the kingdom of God. Find out what the three most recent presidents of the Church have to say about it!

President Russell M. Nelson
President Russell M. Nelson

An Investment

President Russell M. Nelson teaches that receiving an education will improve your ability to serve others:

“Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you. Wherever you are, develop a deep desire to learn. For us as Latter-day Saints, gaining an education is not just a privilege, it is a religious responsibility. The glory of God is intelligence. Indeed, our education is for the eternities. … Don’t be afraid to pursue your goals — even your dreams! There is no shortcut to excellence and competence. Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them.” 2
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Russell M. Nelson, “Youth of the Noble Birthright: What Will You Choose?” (Church Educational System devotional for young adults, Sept. 6, 2013), broadcasts.lds.org
President Thomas S. Monson
President Thomas S. Monson

A Matter of Preparation

President Thomas S. Monson taught that seeking education will help you prepare yourself and others for the unknown future:

“Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties … I urge you to pursue your education that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such. Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life.” 3
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Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to Guide You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 118-121
President Gordon B. Hinckley
President Gordon B. Hinckley

A Way to Light the World

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that one of the ways you can bring light to the world is by educating yourself:

“It is not enough just to live, just to survive. It is incumbent on each of us to equip ourselves to do something worthwhile in society—to acquire more and more light, so that our personal light can help illuminate a darkened world. And this is made possible through learning, through educating ourselves, through progressing and growing in both mind and spirit.” 4
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Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something (2000), 67

Education is a powerful tool that will help you build the Lord’s kingdom by increasing your capacity to serve, preparing you to better assist and provide for yourself and your family, and helping you shine your light in an ever-darkening world.

Gain skills and knowledge that will help you participate in the Lord’s work by continuing your education !

Originally published November 26, 2018