Knowledge of Eternal Truth Is Essential

A couple weeks ago I prepared to teach the Joseph Smith lesson Gaining Knowledge of Eternal Truths. A study of this lesson reminds us of the necessity of learning, particularly those things of eternal significance. The Prophet's attitude towards searching for the truth and seeking knowledge has impacted the Church throughout its history.

In 1843, the Prophet instructed the Saints regarding the importance of gaining education and knowledge, "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come" (D&C 130:18-19). The Prophet also taught that "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance" (D&C 131:16). Without question, the process of seeking out eternal truth is vital. We know of its importance in this life. It is essential in the next.

The lesson manual shared this interesting quotation from the Prophet, “Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is. … In knowledge there is power. God has more power than all other beings, because He has greater knowledge; and hence He knows how to subject all other beings to Him. He has power over all” (History of the Church, 4:588).

As I read this quotation, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Groundhog Day. The movie stars Bill Murray who played the role of Phil Connors, a weatherman that traveled to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to report on the annual Groundhog Day festivities. As Phil had been there in previous years, he had no enthusiasm for making the trip to this small Pennsylvania town. After completing his reporting assignment, Phil, along with his cameraman and producer, attempted to return home. However, a snowstorm blocked their return and they were stuck in Punxsutawney for second night. When Phil woke up the following morning, it was once again Groundhog Day. In fact, every morning, Phil keeps waking up to the same day with all of the same things happening around him.

After a couple of days, Phil begins to take advantage of the information learned on this repeating day by taking advantage of others and doing things he would not normally do, such as robbing an armored car and eating like there was no tomorrow (which there wasn’t). Eventually, he gets bored and depressed and makes several attempts at taking his life, once again waking up and finding another Groundhog Day. Over time, Phil begins to utilize the information he learns to improve his life.

As the story progresses, Phil is sitting in the local diner one afternoon visiting with Rita, his producer. Phil tries to explain to Rita what is happening to him and states that he is a god, not the God. He then tells intimate details about several people in the cafe and predicts that one of the servers will drop a tray (which he does). He explains to Rita that maybe God became God because he went through all of this so many times. Even after this discussion, Phil continues to utilize the knowledge he learns. On what becomes his last Groundhog Day, Phil utilizes his knowledge to serve others in what becomes a perfect day.

I have found a lot of truth in what happened to Phil. At first, Phil abused the knowledge he gained. Then he realized there was a higher road and utilized that knowledge to improve himself and provide service to others. Knowledge is power. Obtained and used wisely, we can have great power for good. In an eternal sense, it is necessary to continue progress towards our eternal destiny.

Sometimes I feel like Phil. I wake up in the morning, going through the same routine: shower, dress, eat breakfast, drive to work, and spend a day at work. Life is repetitive. Maybe not as repetitive as Groundhog Day, but still our days are similar. Nonetheless, like Phil, we have the opportunity to mine each day for new knowledge. Are we doing so? Are we actively striving to improve ourselves with the knowledge we obtain? Are we using that knowledge to serve others? If so, we are on a course to become like our Heavenly Father.

As we approach the end of this year, it is a good time to sit back and examine our lives. What are we doing with each day? What can we do during the coming year to learn more of our Heavenly Father and his gospel? How can we take that knowledge and use it to improve ourselves and bless the lives of others?