Seeing Through God's Eyes: Education as Spiritual Revelation

Sometimes I look back at my own missionary journey, and I realize that the most profound moments of revelation didn't just come in quiet moments of prayer. They came after wrestling with difficult questions, after studying texts I never thought I’d understand, and after being challenged by perspectives far outside my comfort zone. It struck me then: becoming more like the Savior isn't just about feeling the Spirit; it’s about expanding our capacity to *see* what He sees.

Recently, I was reflecting on a talk given by Eva Witesman, and it really resonated with the core message of the Restoration—that our journey is one of continuous refinement, striving to become more like our Heavenly Father. She spoke beautifully about education, not as a mere ladder to a career, but as a pathway to our eternal spiritual potential.

It reminded me of the scriptures, particularly Joel 2:28–29, which speak of the Spirit being poured out upon all flesh—upon sons, daughters, and handmaids. This isn't just about receiving gifts; it’s about developing the capacity to *receive* revelation. These gifts, whether it’s prophecy or deep understanding, require us to sharpen our intellect and our spiritual senses.

The Glory of God is Intelligence

The talk highlighted a profound truth: “The glory of God is intelligence.” This isn't a cold, academic statement; it’s a declaration of divine capacity. To become like God, we must enhance our inherent intelligence. But how do we do that in the context of being disciples in the modern world? We have to move beyond the echo chamber of what we already know.

The speaker pointed to prophets like Moses and the brother of Jared—men given visions of the entire earth, of all things past, present, and future. Their vision was vast, comprehensive, and required intense study and learning to even begin to comprehend. This isn't just about reading the scriptures, though that is foundational. It’s about leveraging the depth of knowledge available to us, seeking that “depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge.”

A Skill for the Disciple: Seeking Discernment

If you’re preparing for the field, or if you’re just trying to deepen your personal study, I want to share a small piece of mission-prep insight. When you encounter a complex question—maybe about agency, or the nature of eternal progression—don't just memorize the answer you think you *should* give. Instead, practice asking, "What questions do I need to ask myself to understand this better?"

This is where the power of tools like Davee comes in. If you’re struggling with a tough doctrinal question, bring it to him in an AI Investigator session. He’s trained to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you structure your answers so they are both doctrinally sound and deeply empathetic. It trains you to think prophetically, not just reactively.

This concept—that knowledge opens the path to spiritual gifts—is a powerful anchor for us all. It means that our commitment to education, to learning, and to seeking wisdom isn't just 'good advice'; it's a commandment and a preparation for the work.

Where to Deepen Your Study

If this topic of deepening our understanding resonates with you, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of the Iron Rod authors. Many of their insights on revelation and knowledge are available in LivingBook. For a deeper dive into how we can study scripture together, check out the Book Club or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. These communities are built for us to learn together, strengthening each other as we gather wisdom.

Remember, we are all on this journey, striving to stand on the shoulders of those who have been guided by the Spirit before us. Let’s commit to being diligent students of truth, so that when the time comes, our vision—and our capacity to bless others—is as broad as the Father’s.

If you're feeling the call to learn more about how to apply this principle to your current study, join us for our free weekly Disciple Challenge this week!