The Importance of Wisdom to The Youth of The Church by Stefan Leimer

Wisdom is not simply the knowledge we obtain over the course of our lives. As Nephi puts it: ”O that cunning plan of the evil one! 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.”(2 Nephi 9:28) Knowledge is to be learned, but Wisdom is to understand what that knowledge means and to know how to apply it and use it according to the Lord’s gospel. Many of those who obtain knowledge in our world lose themselves in pride and become corrupt because they lack the knowledge to handle it.
Wisdom is also the key to the Lord’s perfect Plan of Happiness. Through his wisdom all thing s have come to be, and will come to be. “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.”(Mosiah 4:9) The Lord knows all things and loves us. It is his perfect plan and we must learn to trust in his wisdom and accept that we cannot know how everything will work out, but that it will if we have faith.
In order to become more Christ-like we must also seek to obtain as much wisdom as possible. “O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.”(Alma 37:35) If we obtain wisdom early we can make the right decision when are temptations will be the most challenging. Satan tries to lead us astray with all his might while we are in our youth. He does not want us to have strong families and tempts us while we are still becoming men and women. Also if we obtain wisdom of our own we gain otherwise hidden insights and revelations pertaining to the gospel. These strengthen our testimonies and brighten the light of Christ within us.
If we trust in the wisdom of God and strive to obtain wisdom of our own then Christ will lighten our burden along the straight and narrow. “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”(Mosiah 4:27) Wisdom applied in our lives and the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ are the key elements to the order spoken of in this verse. We have the same goal as our Father in Heaven; he wants us to succeed and if we do all we can and act in wisdom he will pick up the slack and lead us home. I have personal testimony of this principle. I notice in my life how huge a difference it makes if I am trying my best or just “not being a bad person”. When I do what I am supposed to do and am where I’m supposed to be then God’s blessing are obvious. The contrast is shockingly plain and shows the Lord’s love for me personally.
Wisdom is not only for the elderly or experienced, but for all and especially for the youth of the church. It is our shield against the fiery darts of the adversary and a light in times of confusion. Whether our trials be small or seemingly impossible, wisdom, the Holy Ghost, and our knowledge of the gospel will guide us through. “Pray for understanding and kindness and, above all, for wisdom and inspiration.”(Gordon B. Hinckley, “Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children”, Ensign, November 2000) Let us follow the Prophet’s guidance and pray for and seek to obtain wisdom in our youth so that we can be better prepared to serve our future family, the people on our mission, and our Lord as his children.