It is a paradox that men will gladly devote time every day for many years to learn a science or an art; yet will expect to win a knowledge of the gospel, which comprehends all sciences and arts, through perfunctory glances at books or occasional listening to sermons. The gospel should be studied more intensively than any school or college subject. They who pass opinion on the gospel without having given it intimate and careful study are not lovers of truth, and their opinions are worthless.
To secure a testimony, then, study must accompany desire and prayer.
Elder John A. Widtsoe, “Evidences and Reconciliations”
This is very interesting, at least for me. In my chosen professional path, I have put in hours and hours of study each week to keep up with technology.... I still do. Afterall, technology is always advancing. I have stay current.
But the gospel never changes. It doesn't need to advance to the point where I have to stay current. It's already perfect. But do I put hours and hours into studying it? Those priorities should be switched. I should be spending countless hours studying the gospel truths and the Plan of Salvation. Then if there is time left, study technology. Not the other way around.
Part of me thinks that I don't need to use my own brain power because the Spirit knows all and will speak to my mind the things I need to know, when I need to know them. Well, part of that is true. He will speak to my mind but He will not do so if I'm not putting in the work to hear.
Another part of me thinks that I already know a lot but just had the veil put over my mind. So when that veil is removed, I'll know a lot more than I do now. So, isn't it more about feeling than knowing right now in this life?
But... our feeling the gospel, yea, our faith in Christ is in direct proportion to knowing Him and the gospel. And how can we know Him, without studying the words in scripture and by modern day representatives? It's not like we can Facetime Him to become acquainted, although I'm sure He has a celestial Facetime medium of sorts that He utilizes, that we, as mortals, may never advance to.
