Under the topic of education in Providing in the Lord's Way: A Leaders Guide to Welfare, we read: "When we have knowledge and wisdom, we are able to discern truth from error and make better choices. We are better able to understand God and our fellowmen, and we have a deeper love for them. The Lord has commanded us to gain knowledge. To become self-reliant, we should -

      "- Improve our ability to read, write, and do basic mathematics."- Study the scriptures and other good books.

      "- Learn to communicate effectively with others.

      "- Take advantage of opportunities to gain more knowledge." (page 6.)

      A large plaque at the main entrance to the Brigham Young University campus reads: "Enter to learn. Go forth to serve." This message could just as well have been given us when we left our Heavenly Father's presence to come to earth.

      We all entered this earth life with essentially the same purpose. We were placed here in a probationary state. The veil was drawn so we could not remember our premortal existence. We were put here to learn, to grow, and to experience mortality with a body of flesh and blood. We are here to prove ourselves worthy to re-enter the presence of our Heavenly Father.

      Essentially, all we can take back with us is what is in our hearts and our heads - what we feel and what we know. Therefore, our education, understanding and wisdom is the spiritual "luggage" we carry as we return to His presence.

      When we reach the age of accountability, we become responsible for our own spiritual luggage. This is when we can accept the first of several eternal ordinances. We learn from baptism, whether at age 8 or 108, that we must have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. At baptism, we take upon us the name of Christ and commit to obey His commandments. He then blesses us with His Spirit, which compels us to be humble and teachable. We must always beware of the sin of pride, which makes us unteachable.

      The Savior said, "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:4.)

      We must, therefore, humble ourselves to try to learn from each of life's experiences. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: " . . . We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." (Articles of Faith 13.)

      The Lord also said, "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." (D&C 88:118.)

      There are many institutions of learning. Formal schooling is an outstanding source of learning. We should each pursue as much formal schooling as possible. There are also continuing education classes, seminars and workshops. We should love learning and should sponge up as much understanding as possible from a variety of sources. Just because a diploma or degree is earned, it doesn't mean school is out.

      Each day of our lives brings new learning experiences. Elder S. Dilworth Young made the comment that he had been to the school of hard knocks. The school colors were black and blue, and the yell was "Ouch!" We do learn from our experiences - both good and bad. " . . . All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (D&C 122:7.)

      Once in the mission field, I was feeling sorry for myself and wrote on a report to my mission president the above scriptural reference and asked, "Why do I get all the experience?"

      He replied by writing a postscript on a transfer letter referring me to D&C 121:7-8: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high. . . ."

      When this life is over, it will seem to us to be a small moment compared to eternity, for " . . . all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men." (Alma 40:8.)

      We need to make good use of our time, learning and teaching what we learn, while here. The Lord said, "And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom." (D&C 88:77.) He also promised us: "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." (D&C 130:18-19.)

      President David O. McKay once stated that we should all be substitute teachers in the Church quorums and auxiliaries because we gain more knowledge and understanding when we prepare a lesson. We also are taught that if we don't have the Spirit, we will not teach. Isn't it also as valuable for us to have that same Spirit as we learn? We must always beware of pride, which drives the Spirit away and makes us unteachable.

      We learn more efficiently and permanently when we are humble enough to learn from the mistakes of others, as well as from our own. We do not need to make all the mistakes ourselves. Again, the scriptures are full of experiences from which we may learn.

      We also may learn from many of the classic books, poems and sonnets. Musical arrangements, art in its varied forms, and even good movies can help us learn. Much of this instruction can be pursued in the home, through example and precept.

      One of the greatest lessons I have been taught came from a bishop who loved the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." He used it to teach us that one individual can make a profound difference. And that bishop made a difference in my life.

      Of all the learning experiences in my life, none has compared with the temple experience. Those sacred ordinances add to that spiritual luggage we must carry to make us eligible to once again live with our Father in Heaven. The temple is one of the greatest teaching institutions on earth. As members of the Church, we have been asked to go to the temple often. We should go there spiritually prepared, as students, to listen and learn at what some have called the "Lord's university."

      To reiterate, the Lord has commanded us to gain knowledge. As we increase in knowledge and wisdom, we are then better able to understand God, our fellowmen and ourselves. We are better able to discern truth from error. And, more important, we will be able to add to the glory of God, for "The glory of God is intelligence." (D&C 93:36.)

      - Rod Bushman is president of the Kearns Utah West Stake and business department chairman at Kearns High School.