At almost any time you can find me with a book in my hand. While I love to read for entertainment, I also love to learn about new things. Just recently I read a book on the Mayans, and another on Mormons and Masons. Learning new things fascinates me. Perhaps that’s why I’m so excited to talk about the next Young Women Value – Knowledge.

When reading through the Young Women theme of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), knowledge is listed fourth, though it certainly doesn’t make it any less valuable than faith, or individual worth. The scripture listed with the value of knowledge can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants, a set of revelations given to our prophet, Joseph Smith.

“Seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).

The thought that goes along with knowledge states, “I will continually seek opportunities for learning and for growth.”

Knowledge can be gained by several different means. Reading is a wonderful way to gain knowledge, especially for a book hound like me. I am especially grateful to have been born in a time when books are so readily available. I can’t imagine living when reading was not much of an option. I will give one caution: you can’t believe everything you read. So many of the things I’ve been sent through e-mails haven’t been true. Only through much study and prayer can we gain a true knowledge of those things we’ve been taught.

We are encouraged to look up Proverbs 1:5 and 4:7, as well as 2 Nephi 28:30 in the Book of Mormon. We’ve looked one scripture up in the Doctrine and Covenants, but other examples can be found in D&C 88:78-80, 90:15, 130:18-19, and 131:6. After reading these scriptures think for a moment about why we need to gain knowledge.

A lot of people learn better through doing. Take a moment and list several talents you have, and other you’d like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14-30. What sort of new talents could you pick up that would help you care for your future family? Are you good with math? Try making and sticking to a budget. Do you enjoy cooking? Try planning out, buying for, and cooking a family dinner one night. Do you have a talent with music? Try playing something new like the guitar, piano, or violin. Learn to lead music, or memorize some of your favorite hymns.

All of these things help us to gain more knowledge. How important is knowledge? If you read D&C 130: 18-19 you’ll realize it’s the one treasure of this earth we will retain as we go into our next life.

“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.”

The great thing is we can constantly learn something new, and this knowledge can be used to bless the lives of those around us. Learn to knit scarves/hats and give them away as presents or to those in need. Learn basic repair of cars and you can save your family a whole lot of money on car repair. Learn about getting yourself healthy through exercise and you can encourage friends and family to follow your example. Knowledge doesn’t do you much good if you don’t do anything with it.

Just like the third servant in the Parable of the Talents, if we don’t take our natural talents, learn more about them, increase in our abilities, and share them with others, these talents will be taken from us. I can attest to this. I used to be a good singer. I’d like to stress the ‘used to be’ part. When family life became more important than singing, my voice became rusty.

Knowledge is a treasure. As teens you have such a powerful resource in your school classes. Take advantage of the time you have to learn, and start putting those things into practice. As you increase in knowledge your talents will increase as well.

I can testify that if you put in even a little bit of effort, God will bless you in ways you could never imagine.