In our class discussion regarding Egyptology, we were able to see just how much we learn from revelation. There are so many things we think that we know, only in later years to realize how wrong we really were. In my discipline, which is exercise science, I am able to learn about the body and its movement through biology and chemistry classes. Through my studies, I have learned first-hand how little we know. The book I used at the beginning of my study would no longer be applicable at this time in my trek. So much of modern science changes month to month upon receiving new information. These “revelations,” help us to be the most accurate in our study. That’s not to say that what we found first was wrong, just that it was incomplete information.

We discussed how revealed revelation helped the Church in understanding more about how to run. Joseph Smith was able to receive new scripture purely off of revelation; through those revelations we have learned more about this Gospel. Revealed revelation should add to our knowledge and help us understand that we are always learning. Something may not have been in our prior knowledge, but that doesn’t mean we won`t learn it at some point. In my discipline then, I need to make sure I am learning all that I can, but keeping an open mind that some things may later be revealed that add to or are contrary to a previous thought. Being stuck on one idea leaves us close-minded and naïve. Most areas of study would like to believe we know everything. That is fine, but we know better. Never take something as concrete, unless it is the sole fact that God lives and loves us. This knowledge will help me to realize nothing is quite set in stone. More information can be given to us at any point.

Obviously finding and discovering information for ourselves is a big way to learn in my field, but that doesn’t mean it is the only way to learn. I hope to become a physical therapist someday, and realize that different theories could change from now to when I am actually out working. This is fine. It will teach me that I need to have an open mind to received information. I know the Gospel, I know the principles, and I know my Heavenly Father is there and that He will reveal to us what we need to know, at the right time. With this information, I know that everything is second to the Gospel. That if I learn something in my field contrary to what I know to be true, I simply can pray and my Father will help me to understand what is to be learned. If I take my discipline as law, then I will find my faith shaken and confused. The Gospel is always true, though my field of study, scientifically founded as it is, is not. I need to listen closely to the prophets and to what my Father personally tells me and with and open mind  learn what my discipline has to teach me.

Additional Resources:

Read/watch/listen to a talk titled “In Tune with the Music of Faith” given by one of today’s apostles Quintin L. Cook.

Learn more about the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Also known as Mormons) believing in modern revelation.

Request a free copy of the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Heavenly Father Loves All of His Children

In the Pearl of Great Price, a book of scripture held sacred by Latter-day Saints “Mormons”, we learn that the most paramount truth Moses learned from speaking with God is that he is God’s son (See Moses chapter one in the Pearl of Great Price). The relationship between a father and his son is dependable and familiar, filled with trust, admiration and love. This is never truer than when describing the relationship between our Heavenly Father and his children. As Moses came to learn of his divine nature as a son of the Father, it became a source of strength for him in difficult times. The knowledge that an all-knowing God, the creator of the universe, is ever-present and endlessly supportive was undoubtedly an immense comfort to Moses. When suddenly faced with Satan’s temptations in verse 12, Moses was able to say with confidence, “Who art thou? For I am a son of God…” No amount of enticement from the adversary could quell this inherent truth. As I learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “Mormon Church”, my testimony of this fact is continually reinforced. I am a daughter of God and as such I have an inherently divine nature. Like Moses, I gain strength and assurance from this every day. Though I may not conduct myself the way the world expects a young woman to, I know it does not matter. I know that I can walk in confidence as long as I measure up to God’s standard. The opinions of man hold little value and my worth is not contingent upon them. I know who I am and I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows who I am. He is aware of me and anxious for me to achieve the best things in this life. As my knowledge of what it truly means to be a daughter of God grows, I am constantly reminded of the profound love our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. As I strive to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior each day, I know that I, much like Moses, will be continually edified and the knowledge of this sacred relationship reinforces my resolve to strive to live up to my divine potential.

Additional Resources:

Chat with Mormon missionaries online.

Learn simple ways to become more spiritual in life.

The Bible and the Book of Mormon are testaments of Jesus Christ. Request free copies today.

Understand God the Father

In Moses chapter one, found in the Pearl of Great Price, Moses is transfigured (a special change of nature to a more glorified state) by God the Father, allowing him to see the Almighty face to face. These few precious verses that we have had revealed to us provide significant insight to Moses’ relationship with God; it is easy, and important, for us to apply what Moses learned about his relationship with God to our own lives.

An important idea that is revealed to Moses is the fact that God created the world and all of the things, which exist upon it. Moses must have been greatly impressed with these creations, as he “marveled and wondered,” over them. The idea of creation is one, which completely overwhelms me. The complexity of each living creature on this planet is so immense; it is a wonder how life processes exist and function in the effective and miraculous way that they do. Creation is an example of the awesome power held by our Heavenly Father, but more importantly than the endless and limitless abilities of God the Father, is the personal relationship each one of his creations can choose to have with him. This is another concept that Moses’ interaction with God in Moses, chapter one, teaches us.

The Father has infinite power to create life and create all things, yet he still chooses to uplift and support even his smallest, seemingly insignificant creations. Moses learns that without the support and fortification of God the Father, he has no strength. When God’s glory was removed from Moses, “Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth” (See Moses 1:9) When he is left alone, lacking the presence of God, he truly understands his own nothingness and exclaims, “Now for this cause, I know that man is nothing” (See Moses 1:10)

There is another important concept gleaned from this scene on the mountain. After the strength of the natural man is returned to Moses, he is visited and tempted by Satan, who commands Moses to worship him. Moses learns something incredibly vital to us all. In a time of immense temptation and difficulty, God dwells with Moses and strengthens him. Likewise, when Satan enters our lives, whether it be directly or in a way less obvious to us, or those around us, God the Father will provide strength if we ask for it. Often, he strengthens us when we forget to ask, or when an excess of pride blinds us from the way. Moses’ experience with these uplifting truths is a testimony to myself, and to all of the Father’s children, that our Heavenly Father loves and supports us in our greatest times of need. Our relationship with him is contingent on our efforts to improve it, but his love has no qualifications, for he truly has an infinite love for all of his children.

Additional Resources:

Request a free copy of the Bible, a testament of Jesus Christ—comparable to the Book of Mormon.

Read the Articles of Faith, 13 statements that summarize Mormon fundamental beliefs.

Moses was a prophet. Learn about modern-day prophets who live on the earth today.