Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan?
One of the main reasons Heavenly Father sent us to earth was to give us experiences that would help us learn and become more like Him. If we are obedient and teachable, He will help us learn what we need to know, line upon line, throughout our lives. Heavenly Father expects us to use the knowledge we gain to bless others and build His kingdom.
Prepare yourself spiritually
What opportunities do you have to continue to learn? How has doing so blessed your life?
How can you help the youth understand the importance of continuing to learn throughout their lives? What can you do to help them see the value of their secular and gospel learning?
Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What inspires you to be a lifelong learner?
2 Nephi 28:27–30; D&C 98:11–12 (The Lord has promised to teach us “line upon line” as we study and live what we learn)
Alma 12:9–11; D&C 50:40 (If we are obedient and teachable, we will continue to learn throughout our lives)
D&C 88:77–80 (The Lord wants us to learn so we will be prepared to magnify our callings)
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Lord, Is It I?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 56–59
Dallin H. Oaks and Kristen M. Oaks, “Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2009, 22–27
“Education,” For the Strength of Youth (2011), 9–10
“Plan of Salvation,” True to the Faith (2004), 115–17
Video: “You Know Enough” (Elder Neil L. Andersen teaches that learning occurs line upon line)
Teaching in the Savior’s way
The Savior was the perfect example of everything He taught. He taught His disciples to pray by praying with them. He taught them to love and serve by the way He loved and served them. What can you do to exemplify a love of learning to the youth you teach?
Make connections
During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you:
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What have the youth learned about aspects of the plan of salvation (such as covenants, obedience, the Atonement, or life after death)? What could they share with each other?
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Write on the board, “Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan?” Give the youth time throughout the lesson to ponder this question and write down some possible answers. At the end of class, invite them to share what they wrote.
Learn together
Each of the activities below will help inspire the youth to become lifelong learners. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best for your class:
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Write on the board Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan? Ask the youth to think about this question as they read the section titled “The Examined Life” in President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Lord, Is It I?” Give them time to share their insights. Invite them to tell about changes they have made in their lives as a result of their study of the scriptures or the teachings of living prophets.
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Ask each youth to read one of the scriptures in this outline, looking for principles of learning. Invite each to draw a picture or diagram that represents the principles in the scripture passage. Ask the youth to use their pictures to teach each other about what they read. What do these scriptures teach about the importance of learning in Heavenly Father’s plan?
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Invite the youth to read the “Education” section in For the Strength of Youth, including the scripture references. Ask half of the class to look for things Heavenly Father wants us to do, and ask the other half to identify blessings that He has promised. Invite them to share what they find and choose something they feel they need to work on. Discuss as a class ways they can improve in those areas, and encourage the youth to set personal goals to apply the Lord’s counsel.
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Show the video “You Know Enough,” and invite the youth to share what they learn from Elder Neil L. Andersen about how we gain knowledge. What would they say to a friend who is struggling because he or she does not understand everything about the gospel? How would they help their friend understand the role of learning in Heavenly Father’s plan?
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Ask the youth to read “Plan of Salvation” in True to the Faith (pages 115–17), including the scriptures cited, and find something they didn’t already know. Invite them to share what they learn, and discuss why Heavenly Father wants us to continue to learn.
Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand the importance of learning in Heavenly Father’s plan? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this doctrine?
Teaching tip
“When an individual asks a question, consider inviting others to answer it instead of answering it yourself. For example, you could say, ‘That’s an interesting question. What do the rest of you think?’ or ‘Can anyone help with this question?’” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 64).
Video: “Discussing Questions”
Invite to act
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Invite the youth to think about a part of the plan of salvation they would like to teach to a friend or family member. What can they do to learn about that topic?
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Bear your testimony of the blessings we receive when we seek learning throughout our lives.