Knowledge vs Wisdom

While here in Colorado visiting my parents, I picked up a book in the office entitled Heroes from the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the keystone scripture in my faith and partners with The Bible in testifying of the Lord, Jesus Christ. This book on heroes is a compilation of tributes and insight from modern-day prophets and other leaders of my church. This morning I was reading the account from Russell M. Nelson called "Nephi, son of Lehi." He spoke of his many years in medical school, and how he was grateful for the counsel of Nephi, as it helped him distinguish the difference between learning and wisdom. Nephi quotes his younger brother, the prophet Jacob:

"O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God." (2 Nephi 9:28-29.)

When I read this, I thought of myself, and although I am not an extremely learned woman, I have worked hard to educate myself and to learn from life's experiences. It was a wonderful reminder that no matter what knowledge I may aquire in this life, it is all from God, and it will profit me nothing if I rely solely upon myself and exclude him from the direction in which I take my life.

I then quickly thought of the leaders of our nation, past and present. I thought of those who fled from Great Britian in dire search for religious freedom. The men who signed the Declaration of Indpendence and founded the Constitution and Bill of Rights were God-fearing, humble men, and I believe with all my heart that they were inspired and led by God in establishing the United States of America.

Like so many of us, I look at our world today, particularly at our Nation's leaders, and I think the opposite. I see narcissists with their own agendas who have put themselves in an elite class above the People, instead of striving to serve those who have put them in office. I see a Godless President who will listen to no one, least of all the People. He will support the building of a Mosque 500 ft. from ground zero in New York, when it is clear that the majority of Americans are against it.

I know that if we obey the counsel of our loving Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ through the scriptures and guidance of prophets, all will be well in the end. We will not perish, but will return to live with Father. When I look at our government today, I just remind myself to maintain an eternal perspective and to prepare myself and my family to do as well in this life as possible: to become learned and capable, but to never forget the counsels of God.

It was a refreshing reminder when I read those prophetic words this morning. I love my church and the values it stands for. I love my Savior. I know He is the only begotten of the Father and that he suffered in the garden and died that we may repent of our sins and live in His presence again. Oh that those in positions of such power today would recognize and hearken to that loving diety.