Education and the Struggle for Perfection

Doubters understand the value and blessings of education, but do not think those blessings apply to them. They are the students who say, “I can’t do that,” or “I’m just not a math person.” Perhaps because of past educational struggles, or the negativity and criticism of others, these students feel incapable of learning and improving. While these challenges are real and difficult, students can learn to resist and overcome these feelings of self-doubt.

Part of overcoming doubt is learning who you are and understanding your potential. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “You have the potential to become anything you set your mind to.” It often requires you to surround yourself with people who will believe in you. Another way to overcome doubt is to not be paralyzed by the risk of failure — if you try your best, I promise the Lord will make up the difference.

If you struggle with doubt, I invite you to believe in yourself, do your best, and never give up when you struggle.

Students with misplaced zeal do not see the connection between getting a formal education and other righteous endeavors in life. This can be found in women who don’t view education as important as their future roles as mothers. It can be found in men who do not see their educations as a purposeful work compared to Church callings or other priesthood responsibilities.

These students need to know that although Church service and parenting are two very important roles, the Lord still expects more from them. Education can be meaningful and spiritually uplifting -- but only if you know that what you are studying conforms to the will of the Lord, and if you consecrate your educational efforts to Him. If you do this, your education will prepare you to excel in all your roles -- whether in the workplace, at home, or in Church callings.

While contemplating your goals for the future, please ponder how you can consecrate your knowledge, skills, and educational experiences to God.

These students tend to walk the path of education slowly, with little commitment or direction. They view their academic experience with some indifference and are happy simply to just get by. Oftentimes, these students do not understand that although earning a degree is a great accomplishment, the Lord will still require their work and effort for many years after school.

Getting an education is just one step in the larger plan our Father in Heaven has prepared for His children. By committing themselves more to their education, these students will be able to grow in their studies, families, and service to God.

Students in this category work very hard -- perhaps 60, 70, or even 80 hours a week. They are so busy, they convince themselves they cannot pursue an education. “I can’t work on my education right now,” they say. “I’ve got too much going on. I’m working too much.”

The problem for these students is that they will be stuck working that same job, and making the same amount of money, forever. For these students, there is no future. It reminds me of a story Elder Savin told about a boy who never unrolled his sleeping bag because he didn’t want to roll it up again in the morning. All night long, the boy froze in his tent simply because he was trying to save himself 5 minutes of work.

To these students, I promise that if you will spend the time now to educate yourself, to develop your mind, to get a credential, or to acquire a skill, it will bless you for the rest of your life. Those blessings are worth the time.