Knowledge is Plain to See

Nephi stated, "I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be." Knowledge is plain to see but through the cunning and craftiness of Satan, stumbling blocks can cloud our vision. Furthermore, he teaches us not to pray and many listen. Often is the response to the question, "Have you inquired of the Lord?", has been, "The Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." There is no attempt or half-hearted or because they tried once and failed they try no more. 

The Source of all truth is open unto the humble. Elder Maxwell taught, "To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!” The word is plain to those who search but our way becomes clouded when we let go of the rod. One can read their scriptures every day and not be holding on to the rod. The rod is more than merely reading our canonical texts. Jesus taught, "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Revelation. We must commune with God. 

Moreover, how much time do we devote to holy acts each day? One can easily justify certain things. I could say I serve people in my profession, which I do, therefore it is holy. Is it? Not always. Sometimes my mind is elsewhere, but that's life. That's how things go. We repent and move forward. I can read many books too or watch documentaries. There is great knowledge there, but is it necessarily a holy act? Is there something better I could be doing with my time? Not in replacing it, but placing something else as a higher priority. These things pale in comparison to truly devoting ourselves to Gospel learning. "Man cannot be saved in ignorance." The Prophet Joseph taught, "a man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge." But knowledge of what? Truth and the Gospel takes the highest priority. 

We must pour out our minds in contemplation over the scriptures, in Gospel books, and in our prayers. We must pray over every aspect of our lives as Amulek taught. But how much time do we devote? I have professional responsibilities. I am a doctor and I must stay up to date with research. Well, we have eternal responsibilities with far more weight. 

Elder Widtsoe taught, "It is a paradox that men will gladly devote time every day for many years to learn a science or an art; yet will expect to win a knowledge of the gospel, which comprehends all sciences and arts, through perfunctory glances at books or occasional listening to sermons. The gospel should be studied more intensively than any school or college subject. They who pass opinion on the gospel without having given it intimate and careful study are not lovers of truth, and their opinions are worthless." You may say, well he obviously had more time on his hands, except he was a soil chemist. President Uchtdorf had a similar challenge several conferences ago, inviting all the priesthood assembled to become experts in the doctrine. 

All knowledge should be studied that is clear according to D&C 88, but the Gospel should given be given preeminence.  There is so much to learn and so little time. And if you are like me, the more you learn, the more you realize how ignorant you truly are. Thank God for the Gospel plan and for Jesus Christ's whose Gospel it is.