Knowledge Unto Salvation

Moroni, a Book of Mormon prophet, writes in 3 Nephi 5:20, "that [God] hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls." I find this phrase interesting. When I think salvation I typically do not think of knowledge as the means of attaining it. But after thinking about it for a moment, it makes sense. When we have knowledge of something we are enabled and empowered to act. In order to perform a surgery a physician must first have specific training on the functioning of the human body. In order to develop computer software a programmer must first learn how to code. Once there is understanding there can be action and eventually a finished product.

In verse 25 of the same chapter Moroni talks about a specific kind of knowledge, knowledge of the covenant. In order for us to live with God and partake of salvation we too must gain an understanding of these covenants. And after doing so, if we are faithful, we can obtain the greatest of all the gifts of God, eternal life. 

Coming Up On Conference

With General Conference coming up in only a few days, I was just reviewing some of my notes from last October (something I should do more often). A couple things stood out to me that I feel would be easy to start doing:

1. Read Joseph Smith History often (Neil L. Anderson)
2. Watch less TV. Read more books (Tad R. Callister)
3. Ask, "Will this make me a better person?" (Quintin L. Cook)
4. Set goals to be good, not applauded by the world (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

The overarching theme I pulled from these notes and from my institute of religion class today is this: We need to focus on the use of our own agency and not be overly concerned with how others use theirs or how they view us. If we make sure our lives are in order then we can be sure that God's blessings will flow and we can stop worrying about making every little thing work out perfectly.

Alma says it best in Alma 41:14, "Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren, deal justly, judge righteously, and to good continually; and if ye do all these things than . . . shall ye have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again . . . ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.

In the following verse he continues, "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again..."