There is something truly beautiful about taking a portion of one’s day and spending it surrounded by others with the same purpose: to be taught about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It stands as a fortifier against the evils Satan constantly throws our way, and reminds us of the truly important things in this life.
Mormon youth, or those belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are given this opportunity through the Seminary Program.
In the May 1984 Ensign (Mormon magazine) Gordon B. Hinckley, current President of the Mormon Church, stated regarding the blessings of the Seminary program: “Knowledge of the gospel will be increased, faith will be strengthened, and you will enjoy wonderful associations and friendships with those of your own kind.”
Those who have taken Seminary, and taken it seriously, found themselves blessed in their daily routines. One student related: “After a while, I could tell a huge difference in my attitude and performance for the better between the days I went and the days I didn’t.” When we give even a portion of our time to our spiritual side, in a way feeding our souls, we will find other aspects of our lives settling into place.
I’m not saying our problems will get easier due to enthusiastic Seminary participation. Instead it will be our abilities to handle the hardships of life that are strengthened. Our minds will become clearer and better tuned to the whisperings of the Spirit of the Lord. Making correct choices will become second nature, and as we’ve all been taught, following the Lord’s way can only lead us to greater blessings.
For those lucky enough to have a Seminary building right near their school, it can become a safe haven as well. During lunchtime at the Seminary I attended, the building would be filled with students: chatting with other students or teachers, eating lunch, spending extra time studying their scriptures, or participating in the enthusiastic ping-pong games set up in the main foyer. My friends and I always met together to enjoy the wonderful spirit that resided within the four walls of that blessed building.
President Hinckley said regarding these friends: “I want to say to you, look for your friends among members of the [LDS] Church; band together and strengthen one another. And when the time of temptation comes, you will have someone to lean on to bless you and give you strength when you need it.” This quote came from an address given at an Oregon Conference 15 Sept. 1996.
The friends youth make in Seminary are certainly not perfect. For the most part, however, they are striving towards the same goals like going on a church mission or getting married in the temple.
I know of young men and women who only took Seminary because it was expected of them. They didn’t really listen, never participated, and didn’t really get anything out of the classes. What a loss, I say. They will never realize what an extraordinary experience they let pass by.
Knowledge is power. We try to encourage the youth of the LDS Church to do their part in learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. More than that, we want them to consider these classes to be as important as, if not more so, learning about Biology, Chemistry, or English. Knowledge of the gospel will be what carries them through this life.
