Welcome and Aloha!
It is wonderful to have you at this devotional at the start of a new school year at BYU-Hawaii. This is indeed a unique and wonderful place. As envisioned by President McKay at the initial groundbreaking in 1955, and reiterated most recently by President Monson, there are two great purposes for this University: First, for things "pertaining to God and His kingdom" and, second, to "develop character and make noble men and women" (Thomas S. Monson, "Quest for Eternal Life" , devotional address at BYU-Hawaii's 50th-anniversary celebration, Oct. 21, 2005, 1).
Each time we enter this campus we are reminded of the motto - "Enter to Learn/Go Forth to Serve" . We hope this mission and motto will be an integral guide to your learning on this campus and throughout your life. To capture the essence of this mission, we've developed a simple triplet - Learn-Lead-Build. That is, as foreseen by God's prophets the purpose of BYU-Hawaii is to develop Learners, Leaders and Builders who will assist in accomplishing all that the Lord has planned for His children prior to His coming.
Today I'd like to focus on the first of these - our quest for learning. Through revelation we know that the "Glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth" , (D&C 93:36) and that the more knowledge and intelligence we gain in this life the greater will be our advantage in the life to come (D&C 130:18-19). We also know that learning is the process by which we gain knowledge and intelligence. Furthermore, the Lord Himself has commanded us to seek learning both through our own efforts, as well as through faith (D&C 88:118). Learning is central to God's plan for each of us both in this life and throughout eternity.
The prophet Joseph Smith taught that "[Learning the] truth, combined with proper regard for it, and its faithful observance, constitutes true education. The mere stuffing of the mind with a knowledge of facts is not education. The mind must not only possess a knowledge of truth, but the soul must revere it, cherish it, love it as a priceless gem; and this human life must be guided and shaped by it in order to fulfill its destiny" (Joseph Smith, "Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith" , 269).
This morning I would like to discuss three aspects of learning. My goal in doing so is to help you expand your vision of what is possible as we follow the counsel of the Lord and His prophets in our learning. I would also like to help you identify the steps you might take to strengthen your ability to gain greater knowledge, intelligence and wisdom. And finally, I would invite each of you as you listen to assess the status of your own learning and then to "raise the bar" by identifying specific actions that would assist you in expanding the depth, breadth and reach of your learning.
A. What we choose to learn (and for what purposes)
The first aspect of our learning I would like to address is what we choose to learn and for what purposes we seek to learn it. The prophet Brigham Young taught that our "religion ... prompts [us] to search diligently after knowledge....There is no other people in existence more eager to see, hear, learn and understand truth." (See Oaks - Learning & LDS) In addition, the Lord Himself has said, "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" (D&C 50:24). It is that promise which guides and motivates our desire to learn and comprehend the truth.
To this Elder Oaks has added that, "Our quest for truth should be as broad as our life's activities and as deep as our circumstances permit. A learned Latter-day Saint should seek to understand the important religious, physical, social, and political problems of the day. The more knowledge we have of heavenly laws and earthly things, the greater influence we can exert for good on those around us and the safer we will be from scurrilous and evil influences that may confuse and destroy us" (Dallin H. Oaks & Kristen M. Oaks, "Learning and Latter-day Saints" , Liahona, Apr. 2009).
At a very practical level, I love the advice that Henry Eyring, the father of President Eyring, received from his father a couple of days before he left for the University of Arizona to begin his study of Mining Engineering. Young Henry and his father had spent the day haying on their farm in southern Arizona. His father said,
"Henry, we've ridden on the range, and we've farmed together. I think we understand each other. Well, I want to say this to you: I'm convinced that the Lord used the Prophet Joseph Smith to restore His Church. For me that is a reality. I haven't any doubt about it. Now, there are a lot of other matters which are much less clear to me. But in this Church you don't have to believe anything that isn't true."
He then continued, "You go over to the University of Arizona and learn everything you can, and whatever is true is part of the gospel. The Lord is actually running this universe. I'm convinced that he inspired the Prophet Joseph Smith. And I want to tell you something else: If you go to the University and are not profane, if you'll live in such a way that you'll feel comfortable in the company of good people, and if you go to church and do the other things that we've always done, I don't worry about your getting away from the Lord" (Henry J. Eyring, Mormon Scientist, Overview,).
What wonderful advice from a loving father concerning what we should learn. His son went on to earn not only a bachelor's degree but a PhD and to become one of the great scientists of the twentieth century. And he never forgot what his father had taught him concerning the learning of truth and how it fits in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He understood the simple and clear definition of truth given in the Book of Mormon, "The Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls" (Jacob 4:13; see also D&C 93:24).
One of the great blessings that comes as we adhere to and continually pursue "things as they really are" in all of our learning, is that we avoid what the Apostle Paul described in his letter to Timothy as "ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim 3:7). But perhaps the greatest blessing that comes from always seeking to learn "truth" is that we become free. Speaking to a group of BYU students President Kimball explained that the pursuit of truth brings,
"Freedom from worldly ideologies and concepts... [This University] must become the last remaining bastion of resistance to the invading ideologies that seek control of curriculum as well as classroom. We do not resist such ideas because we fear them, but because they are false. [We] must continue to resist false fashions in education, staying with those basic principles that have proved right and have guided good men and women and good universities over the centuries" (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Second Century of Brigham Young University" , Brigham Young University Devotional, Oct. 10 1975, 3).
Having been involved in the world of education all of my life, I have observed a wide variety of reasons as to why students choose to pursue education at a University. For some it is the expectation of parents and loved ones while for others it may be to date and find an eternal companion; for others it may be to gain access to better employment or to pursue a lifelong dream. As my granddaughter, Maggie, was going off to college, I asked what motivated her pursuit of truth and education. I love her answer.
"Knowing the far reaching effects that my learning and knowledge will have on my family in the future has always motivated me. I know that I have a specific mission to fulfill on earth and that my education is crucial to it. Even if I don't know what that mission is, I trust that gaining an education will give me the tools to complete it when I get there. I know I would feel terrible if I had the opportunity to do something important for the Lord and found that I couldn't because of knowledge I chose to skip over in my college education" (Communication from Maggie Brown, August 2009).
President Eyring expanded on this important motivation for our learning when he said, "The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all-knowing. So you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize those opportunities perfectly. ... But when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder" (Henry B. Eyring, "Real-Life Education," New Era, Apr 2009).
As we seek to learn all the truth that we possibly can, we need to make a commitment to apply that learning for the purpose of doing the Lord's will. And as we do so we need to seek the Lord's assistance and guidance with regards to what we learn and how we learn it. This leads to the second aspect of learning I would like to discuss and that is how we learn - both in terms of the processes we follow and the standards we establish for our learning.
B. How We Learn
The processes by which we learn and acquire knowledge have long been the focus of systematic scientific study. And as with all truth, we should seek to understand and apply those truths that have been revealed through such studies. But a loving Father has also revealed much regarding the process of learning through His prophets both ancient and modern. And He has provided us with the blessing of the Holy Ghost to assist us in all of our learning.
Elder Bednar has taught, "A learner exercising agency by acting in accordance with correct principles opens his or her heart to the Holy Ghost and invites His teaching, testifying power, and confirming witness. Learning by faith requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception. It is in the sincerity and consistency of our faith-inspired action that we indicate to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, our willingness to learn and receive instruction from the Holy Ghost" (David A. Bednar, "Seek Learning by Faith," Ensign, Sep 2007).
We gain access to this wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost to assist with our learning by acting in accordance with correct principles. Those correct principles include being obedient to the truths we've already learned - especially the Lord's commandments. As we seek to diligently do all the Lord has asked of us, we qualify for access to the Holy Ghost.
Even before I went off to college, I had made daily scripture study and daily prayer personal habits, and had seen the powerful blessings that could come from seeking the Lord's help in all aspects of my study as I diligently did my part to prepare and learn. While an undergraduate I gained an even greater personal testimony of the role of the Holy Ghost in broadening, deepening and enriching my learning, as well as His role in helping me to remember and recall the things I had learned when they were most relevant and needed.
After receiving my PhD I had the great blessing of becoming a teacher and witnessing the power of the Holy Ghost in assisting struggling students in their learning. Some months ago I had such an experience here on this campus. My wife, who often tutors international students in English, asked if I might help tutor a Chinese student who was struggling in her science class. As I did so, I discovered that not only was this wonderful Sister having a challenge with the language, but since this was her very first science class, even such basic concepts as atoms, molecules and compounds were totally foreign to her.
One Saturday morning, comprehending and understanding the basic principles was proving especially challenging. After a few minutes, she stopped me and asked, "Do you think we could say a prayer? I need some additional help if I'm going to understand this material." We then took the time to have a prayer and a wonderful Spirit entered the room. And while the topic did not get any easier, it was clear to both of us that her ability to learn the material was expanded and enhanced throughout the remainder of that study session.
President Eyring spoke recently to a group of young people on the increasing importance of involving the Holy Ghost in learning in today's world. He said, "As the challenges around us increase, we must commit to do more to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Casual prayer won't be enough. Reading a few verses of the scriptures won't be enough. Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks of us won't be enough. Hoping that we will have the Atonement work in our lives and that we will perhaps sometimes feel the influence of the Holy Ghost won't be enough. And one great burst of effort won't be enough." He went on to say,
"You can set the bar higher for yourself to get more power of faith to pray for the gift of the Holy Ghost. You can set it higher for yourself to have the scriptures opened so that you will come to know the Savior's voice. You can set it higher for yourself to be obedient in the things He asks of you. And you can set the bar higher in your expectation for peace in this life and your hope, even your assurance of eternal life in the world to come. You can set your expectations for yourself a little higher and then a little higher, with confidence that a loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son will send you the Holy Ghost and lift you higher and higher, toward Them" (Henry B. Eyring, "Raise the Bar" , Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional, Jan. 25, 2005).
While seeking to be worthy of the Holy Ghost and praying for His spirit to guide and expand our abilities are important aspects of the process of learning, so too are the efforts we put forth on behalf of our own learning. Let me comment on a couple of specific aspects of those efforts. The first has to do with those we seek to learn from, the second has to do with our own preparations, and the third relates to the standards we set with regards to the results of our learning efforts.
This past week I received a letter from our daughter concerning our 14 year old granddaughter, Zoe, and the impact on her life of starting at a new school with an outstanding group of teachers. Let me just share a portion of that letter"
"As you know, we've been very worried about Zoe. Last year she didn't seem to learn much at school, never seemed to have homework, and didn't feel challenged at school. We were afraid that she might just be turning into a lazy teenager. So this fall we put her in a new school, and wow, what a difference. They have incredible teachers who are focused on teaching not just the disciplines but ethics and community as well. And now all of the sudden, Zoe loves going to school, she's learning a ton, she's doing hours of homework every day without any complaining, and she's turned into a responsible, grown-up, careful student. It's an incredible transformation. I think you'll notice when you see her."
As the saying goes, education is not about filling an empty bucket, rather it is about lighting a fire. When we choose the "best" teachers, those who love and respect us and who desire to help us discover truth, our learning improves dramatically. And this holds whether we are choosing which courses to take, from whom to seek mentoring, or simply choosing those with whom to spend time.
A second aspect of our efforts that has a dramatic impact on our learning is our personal preparation. In talking about our responsibility for personal preparation as learners, President Kimball reminded us, "We must remember the great lesson taught to Oliver Cowdery, who desired a special outcome. Oliver Cowdery wished to be able to translate with ease and without real effort. He was reminded that he erred, in that he "took no thought save it was to ask" (D&C 9:7). We must do more than ask the Lord for [success]. Perspiration must precede inspiration; there must be effort before there is excellence. We must do more than pray for [such] outcomes, though we must surely pray. We must take thought. We must make effort. We must be patient. We must be professional [in all our efforts]" (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Second Century of Brigham Young University" , Brigham Young University Devotional, Oct. 10 1975, 9).
As was taught by the Lord to Oliver Cowdery, when we prepare by studying, doing our homework and drawing conclusions, we can then seek the Lord's confirming witness in discerning the strengths and weaknesses in the position we have taken. In fact I have often thought that this is an important feature in "learning line upon line and precept upon precept" (2 Nephi 28:30). In the case of our formal education this preparation consists of studying, drawing tentative conclusions, and then testing those with peers and against the other truths we have learned, before attending class. When we do so, our class time becomes much more exciting and engaging and like my granddaughter, Zoe, we make much greater progress, both individually and collectively.
Here on this campus, we have recently focused on how we might assist each of you in this endeavor. Working with faculty, staff and students we have developed a framework for learning that will help you achieve a standard of excellence in your preparation as well as in each of your class sessions. While I won't take time this morning to outline the details of this framework of learning, I would invite each of you to go to our website and review the principles found under the heading of "about BYU-Hawaii" in the section on the Learning Framework (about.byuh.edu/framework).
This framework is designed to help you become a self-directed learner - developing your own habits and patterns for learning. Self-directed learners set their own goals and standards, with help and input from others. They then use their faculty and the resources of the University to pursue these goals. They become both able and willing to take responsibility for their learning, its direction, and their rate of progress.
A third key aspect of our personal learning effort relates to the standards we seek to achieve as we learn. I love what Elder Maxwell, himself a great educator and learner, said about the appropriate standard for our learning. He said, "Mediocrity won't do either academically or spiritually." If we are going to pursue "truth" in order to fulfill God's command and to be in a position to better serve, we will need to develop the habits and patterns that will enable us to achieve excellence. And as we do so we will gain a personal testimony of President Hinckley's advice on this subject. He taught,
"I speak [to you students] of the need for a little more effort, a little more self-discipline, a little more consecrated effort in the direction of excellence in our lives.
"This is the great day of decision for each of us. ... it is the time of beginning something that will go on for as long as you live. I plead with you: don't be a scrub! Rise to the high ground of spiritual, mental, and physical excellence. You can do it. You may not be a genius. You may be lacking in some skills. But so many of us can do better than we are now doing. We are members of this great Church whose influence is now felt over the world. We are people with a present and with a future. Don't muff your opportunities. Be excellent" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Quest for Excellence" , First Presidency Message, Ensign, Sep. 1999).
C.Becoming a life-long learner
There are many reasons to strive diligently to develop the habits and characteristics associated with excellence in learning during this period of your life. In the few minutes remaining, I'd like to focus on how the habits and skills you develop and put into practice here at this great University will shape your ability, desire and success with regards to learning throughout the remainder of your life. During this unique period you are indeed "laying the foundation of a great work" .
No one needs to remind you that we live in a rapidly changing world. Frequently I hear students or faculty express concern that the half-life of what is taught today is growing shorter and shorter. While it is easy to overestimate how rapidly and completely things are changing, it is clear that what you have learned to date won't be sufficient for the future. As President Eyring has expressed it, "Your hope and mine is that you have learned how to learn. That gift will turn out to be priceless" (Henry B. Eyring, "Learning How to Learn" , Brigham Young University-Idaho Commencement, Apr. 26, 2003).
But what does it mean to "learn how to learn" ? President Hinckley answered that question when he explained to a group of young people, "Each day we are made increasingly aware of the fact that life is more than science and mathematics, more than history and literature. There is a need for another education, without which the substance of our secular learning may lead only to our destruction." He continued,
"I refer to the 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" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding," Ensign, Aug 1988, 2-5).
That is, learning to learn is much more about who we are, how we think, how we address and tackle problems, and what we are capable of and willing to do than it is about memorizing facts and learning formulas. Indeed it is much more about who we are becoming - the habits and character we are developing as we learn and as we apply what we learn - than it is about the facts we can repeat on an exam or an assignment.
President David O. McKay captured this thought when he said, "True education does not consist merely in the acquiring of a few facts of science, history, literature, or art; but in the development of character. True education awakens a desire to conserve health by keeping the body clean and undefiled. True education trains in self-denial and self-mastery. True education regulates the temper, subdues passion and makes obedience to social laws and moral order a guiding principle of life. It develops reason and inculcates faith in the living God as the eternal, loving Father of all" (David O. McKay, The 98th Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Apr. 6, 1928).
We need to each develop a personal vision to guide and reinforce our learning both here at BYU-Hawaii and throughout our life. While I have suggested three aspects that can assist us in that effort, let me close by highlighting the wonderful blessing promised to those who diligently seek to learn truth and are consistently obedient to those truths. The Lord has promised that "if our eye be single to the glory of God" , which requires our personal worthiness, our "whole [body] shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in [us]; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things" (D&C 88:67).
From my experience, striving to develop such a personal vision with the help of the Holy Ghost can be invaluable to us as we continue to learn and grow throughout our mortal probation. I'm reminded of a statement by President Kimball that aptly describes the experience that so many of us have had over several decades as we reflect with hindsight on our own learning, growth and progress. He said,
"...some of the things the Lord would have occur in [our lives] are hidden from our immediate view. Until we have climbed the hill just before us, we are not apt to be given a glimpse of what lies beyond. And the hills ahead are [likely to be] higher than we think." He then concluded by saying "dreams and prophetic utterances are not self-executing. They are fulfilled usually by righteous and devoted people making the prophecies come true" (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Second Century of Brigham Young University" , Brigham Young University Devotional, Oct. 10 1975, 10-11).
So it can be with our hopes and dreams, not only as students, but as spouses, parents, bread winners, and as faithful sons and daughters in our Father's Kingdom. Indeed, our hope and prayer for each of you was perhaps best expressed by Elder Russell M. Ballard as a member of our Board and as one concerned and committed to your learning, "God bless you that you'll capture the vision of where this Church is going and the tremendous role that you will play and that the university will play in developing the kingdom of God in the Pacific Rim [and throughout the world]. These roles are not going to get smaller; they will just get larger. With the help of the Lord, great progress can [and will] be made" (M. Russell Ballard, "Toward our Destiny" , Presidents' Leadership Council Hawaii, Apr. 7, 2008, 4). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.