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Education is more than going to school.
For many people it begins in a classroom — learning to read, write, solve problems, and understand the world. Later it may continue through college, professional training, or simply developing a useful skill. But education does not end with a certificate or degree. Learning can continue throughout life, helping us grow, support our families, and serve others.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, education has an even deeper purpose. The Lord taught:
"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth."
— Doctrine and Covenants 93:36
Learning is not only about preparing for a career. It is also part of becoming the person God wants us to become.
Seek Learning by Study and by Faith
The Lord has invited us to:
"Seek learning, even by study and also by faith."
— Doctrine and Covenants 88:118
We learn through reading, practicing, asking questions, and gaining experience. We also learn by seeking God's guidance and recognizing truth wherever it is found.
Education is not simply about collecting information. It is about continuing to grow in knowledge, skill, and understanding so we can better serve the Lord and care for others.
The Church Provides Real Educational Opportunities
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created several institutions and programs to help people gain education in a setting that strengthens both mind and spirit.
Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character. Its mission is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life while providing excellent academic learning.
Other Church schools include:
• Brigham Young University–Hawaii
• Brigham Young University–Idaho
• Ensign College (which offers one- and two-year vocational programs)
• • BYU–Pathway Worldwide, which provides online certificates and degree pathways in hundreds of locations around the world
These institutions exist to offer strong secular education reinforced by the ideals and principles of the gospel. Students of many faiths attend, and all agree to live by high standards of honor, integrity, and moral conduct.
For many people who cannot attend a traditional university, BYU–Pathway offers a practical gateway to higher education and career preparation.
Self-Reliance Is Part of Education
Education is closely connected to self-reliance. Self-reliance means using the blessings and abilities God has given us to care for ourselves and our families and to find solutions to our own problems.
The Church teaches that work and learning begin early. When we develop skills, manage resources wisely, and take responsibility for our progress, we become better able to serve others.
Elder Robert D. Hales taught:
"Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others."
Key principles of self-reliance include:
• Exercising faith in Jesus Christ
• Being obedient to God's commandments
• Acting with personal responsibility
• Serving others and working in unity
As we apply these principles, the Lord has promised greater hope, peace, and progress.
All Truth Has Value
The Church teaches that all truth — whether religious or secular — is part of God's plan. Learning science, mathematics, history, medicine, technology, languages, or a trade can all have lasting value. Gospel learning and worldly learning do not need to compete. Both can help us grow and serve.
Education also helps us develop the talents and gifts God has already given us. Some people are naturally good with numbers, communication, teaching, creating, or solving problems. Through learning and practice, those abilities can grow and become useful to many people.
Learning Continues After School Ends
A classroom may change, but learning does not have to stop. A parent can learn better ways to communicate. A worker can gain a new skill. Someone may study a language or read simply out of curiosity. Life itself can become a classroom when we are willing to learn from experience.
Knowledge alone is not enough. The scriptures also encourage us to seek wisdom and understanding so that what we learn is used carefully and for good.
Education Prepares Us to Bless Others
We cannot know everything the future will bring. But the skills and knowledge we develop today can help us support our families, make better decisions, and serve people who need our help tomorrow.
That is one reason the Church encourages literacy, skills training, and continued learning.
Education increases our ability to care for ourselves and to lift others.
In the end, education is not only about what we know. It is about who we become. Every new skill, every new truth, and every experience can help us grow into more capable, thoughtful, and useful disciples of Jesus Christ.
A degree may mark the end of one stage of learning. It does not have to mark the end of growth.
As we continue to seek learning by study and by faith, education becomes part of something larger — our preparation to serve the Lord and bless the lives of others.
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