Life is becoming so extremely competitive. The world is changing, and it is very important we equip ourselves to move with that change. For young men and women, it is important to get all of the education you can. Education is the key which will open the door of opportunity for you. It is worth sacrificing for. It is worth working at, and if you educate yourselves, you’ll be able to make great contributions to society.

Perhaps some are struggling to pay for their education, but as we have been counseled, we must take advantage of every opportunity that we can possibly afford. I know sometimes there are free classes offered, especially in vocational courses. Let us take every chance we can to learn new skills.

In the Book of Mormon it says, “But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.” (2 Nephi 29:29) Through secular learning we can gain knowledge for a specific field of profession, but spiritual learning is even more necessary. We are not just learning for this mortal existence but for eternal life as well.

Life is more than science and mathematics, more than history and literature. Secular knowledge alone is not enough. There is a need for another education- a spiritual education. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that there must be “an education of the heart, of the conscience, of the character, of the spirit—these indefinable aspects of our personalities which determine so certainly what we are and what we do in our relationships one with another.”

In the church we have seminary and institute programs which help us to be more educated spiritually. It teaches us to know our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better. It will deepen our understanding of our great purpose and on how we should live our life here on earth.

For Students

I have seen students who excel in their classes and overcome difficulties in their secular education through the help of seminary and institute. I have experienced early morning institute that was fun and refreshing. You still have all your focus and concentration in the morning. I always felt excited to wake up so early to prepare myself and go to church for institute.  After class I felt like I was ready for any challenge that came up that day. I had the peace of mind and the energy to go to school and learn new things. The Spirit guided me and I felt great joy in my heart just like it says in the scripture, “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:22)

For Workers, Parents

As we get our spiritual education through institute and other kinds of spiritual learning, it helps us to be better in our professions. We go out each day having a perfect brightness of hope in our hearts. It will increase our desire to do good and not to do evil. It will guide us to make good and right choices every time.

I believe that our greatest success each day is not just what we have obtained or achieved, but who we are inside- our character. In Doctrine and Covenants 50:24, “That which is of God is light and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light, and that light growth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

Our spiritual education can be our great protection against the temptations and deceptions of the world. It can provide us with the strength to remain steadfast and immovable. It can also help us to be a source of light unto others who are struggling on their way to eternal life.

The world needs people who are intelligent, talented, and competent, but most of all, people who have good and loving hearts and personal relationships with the Savior.

Let us make it a priority to elevate our spiritual learning and deny ourselves of all ungodliness.