Knowledge

• As we acquire more knowledge, our perspective expands and our understanding deepens. Some things we learn change everything. There is an old proverb that embodies this principle well: "Give a man a fish and he will eat one day; teach a man to fish and he will eat the rest of his life." Although information is a public good, knowledge and information are consumed (applied) privately--it is our individual choice to absorb and apply the knowledge and information waiting at our fingertips. 

   

  My parents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and therefore taught me from a very young age the commandments and gospel given to us through God's holy prophets. My parents frequently created opportunities for me to learn and gain knowledge for myself. They knew, and I knew, that the information and knowledge they shared with me would have no significance to me unless I sought after it myself, concluded that it is important for me, and chose to apply it. I have learned for myself that there is a loving God in Heaven. He cares about us and wants us to be happy. I know He lives and because of His Son, we too may have joy in this life and in the life to come. This knowledge has changed everything for me. It has set me free. I have perspective and understanding. I have motivation to live life to its fullest, to serve other people, and to improve myself daily. I am filled with gratitude that God cares so much for us as to give us opportunities to learn, grow, and one day return to live with Him. As my parents invited me, He invites all of us to come unto Him and gain knowledge of the truth for ourselves. 

   

  Learn of Him and deepen the knowledge that you already do have of Him. By doing so you will find joy and happiness. In the words of the Savior, "If ye continue in my word..." (if we study and apply His word) "...then ye are my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).

   

  -- Thomas C.