Understand Doctrines & Principles

From the Gospel Teaching & Learning handbook we read: "When a teacher or a student understand a doctrine or principle, they not only know what the words mean but also how the doctrine or principle can affect their lives" (p. 28). Not that my valuation matters, but I like that, I like it very much in fact. Let me briefly share why.

I will start with an example. This morning in my personal study of the scriptures I was reading in Alma 60, which contains a rather scathing letter from Captain Moroni, the leader of the Nephite armies, to Pahoran, the chief judge and governor over the Nephite land. In this letter, Captain Moroni reproves Pahoran for not doing more to support the Nephite's war effort to defend their people from the encroaching Lamanites. One particular verse seemed to stand out to me, Captain Moroni wrote the following to Pahoran: "Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain" (verse 11).

The principle which emerged quite clearly for me was simply this: If I will not put forth my very best efforts to (insert righteous desires here), then I cannot expect the Lord to miraculously perform a needed miracle in behalf of those I am laboring to serve.

Just a guess, but I think the reason that particular principle appeared so clearly for me, as well as my understanding of it, was because the Holy Ghost wanted me to understand there is more I need to do in a certain area of directing the institute. Now, I will not get into the details of the matter I need to do more with, it really is beside the point, because the point is: When I search the scriptures or the words of the living prophets & apostles, when a "teacher or student understands a doctrine or principle, they not only know what the words mean but also how the doctrine or principle can affect their lives," (italics added for emphasis); and hopefully, you and I and our students will go and do precisely what we are supposed to!

Okay, I know that last sentence was bloated, so here it is another way: When one of our students, or anyone for that matter, recognizes a principle in the scriptures or in the words of the living prophets, and can see how it may bless their lives, then we hope they will begin to practice or implement the principle to receive the blessing the Lord has attached to it. But as teachers we must do much more than simply hope! We must* invite our students to act on principles and then have them return and report their progress so they can receive the blessing the Lord has for them. I think D&C 82:10 fits here well: "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have not promise."

Here is my request and plea to each of you teaching institute: Please help your students identify the doctrines and principles, see how living these will bless them, then extend to your students invitations to live doctrines and principles, and follow up with them. I know, that is actually a lot to ask, but why not? We love our students and want what is very best for them. May the Lord bless your efforts is my prayer.

*I do not really care for words which make me sound like I am trying to push or force you or anyone to do anything, I just could not really think of a better way to phrase this. Please forgive me if you're offended, and know I thought about this prior to posting today.