The Quest for Further Light and Knowledge

I have always loved the phrase “further light and knowledge” and it’s sacred intent.  Scriptures in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants describe the connection between light and knowledge and the importance of obtaining it 

Light and knowledge are companions and illuminators of the mind.  One needs further light and knowledge to advance towards the kingdom of God but light and knowledge in and of themselves are not saving attributes.  The mind is only one half of the equation.   The Lord tells us in the Doctrine and Covenants that He requires both the mind and the heart and that the revelatory process comes through both.  

So what of the heart?  Just as the mind needs to be enlightened, the heart must be purified, sanctified and made new.  The heart is to be broken and contrite and in the end become a receptacle for charity, the pure love of Christ.  Without the schooling of the heart further light and knowledge can only leave us looking at the distant shore from across the way.  We can see where we want to go but can’t seem to get there.  

The journey of purification and sanctification is not a day’s hike or a fast sprint.   It is the end result of constant humility, repentance, forgiveness and service to others.  It requires the vigilant elimination of pride and selfishness and the use of covenants that access the atonement.   Its crowning achievement upon this earth is the love of God and of all mankind.   

Light and knowledge once gained need to be acted upon.   If not light and knowledge become hollow without substance and can lead us to possess a false sense of spiritual security.  I wonder if Lucifer’s (Light Bearer, Son of the Morning) downfall was a result of seeking light and knowledge without submissiveness and humility.  He became a law unto himself and taken with his own ideas.  He was missing the broken, obedient and sanctified heart.  

Perhaps this necessary balance is the reason the Lord often couples the heart and mind in the scriptures.  Here are a few to ponder:

34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days. 

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:34)

18 And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

(Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:18)

65 And with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you.

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:65)

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.  (It is interesting the heart is the desired dwelling place for the adversary as well.  Mosiah 3:6)

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 8:2)

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 4:2) 2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.

(Book of Mormon | Ether 4:15)

18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

(Book of Mormon | Alma 36:18)

33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

(Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:33)

1 BUT behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart.  Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 3:1 - 2)

21 And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:21)

9 ¶ And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

(Old Testament | 1 Chronicles 28:9)

35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

(Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:35)