Understandings of the Heart ~ Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on BYU Devotional in March 1988, and it is called "Understandings of the Heart" by Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading through this post. 

Presiding Bishop Hales has mentioned the following; "... The Purpose of Life

You are preparing to meet the tests of mortal life. We voluntarily came from the presence of God the Father to this mortal probation with free agency, knowing we would have opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11). Our objective is .. to endure to the end, and to be worthy to stand and live in the presence of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ for all eternity to achieve what is called eternal life.

Preparation for the Tests of Life

Most of you are in your third decade of learning. The first two decades were years of development and growth in preparation for this third critical decade of learning. This is a period of your life to prepare for the tests of future years. How do you prepare for the tests to come? 

“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding” ... We are taught that basic intelligence (which is innate) and worldly knowledge (which is learned) are the beginnings for our attainment of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom [and knowledge]. [Proverbs 9:10; see also Proverbs 1:7] .. From wisdom, if we will listen to wise counsel and take the teachings to our hearts, we will gain an understanding in our hearts. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding. [Proverbs 1:2] 

... The difference between intelligence and knowledge at the lower end of the hierarchy of learning and wisdom which comes through life’s experiences ... There is a great deal of difference between raw intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, and finally, the understanding with which the Lord established the heavens. ... It recognizes knowledge through your courses of study and then the attainment of wisdom recognizing obedience to laws, ordinances, and commandments ultimately leading to an understanding in your hearts of true gospel principles that far exceed the teachings of men. 

This education leads us to use our gifts and talents in selfless service by helping others and caring for the needy. The importance of understanding in one’s heart is that our faith in believing becomes a full knowledge of understanding, and it causes us to control our actions. In three decades of counseling I have become aware of many ways we may be tested. 

Here are but a few tests that those assembled here today may have to face in their lives. Will you be prepared? How will you respond?

1. The test for some will be being single and lonely. Are you prepared to be self-sufficient and productive, and are you prepared to be of help to others?

2. The test for some will be being married to the wrong person, resulting in abuse and divorce. 3. Then, the test may be to provide for a family without a partner’s support.

4. Some will have the test of not being able to have children. The test may come even when you have lived faithfully, abiding by moral laws and commandments of chastity, faithfulness, fidelity, and love to an eternal companion. ... Do not base your testimony on one goal and allow bitter disappointment to prevent you from enjoying your companionship and the greater goal of eternal progression.

5. The test for some will be having the children who can both be the joy and the trial of your life.

6. Some will have the test of being widowed or will experience the death of a loved one. Do not become angry and blame your departed loved one for leaving you alone. Do not blame God for allowing it to happen or yourself for having done something to cause the death.

"We must listen to understand, not
just to reply."

7. Some will have the test of illness and poor health. 8. Some will have friends and companions betray their trust. 9. For some the test will be having financial woes of employment failure, economic depression, or unwise investments.

Invulnerability Wouldn’t we all like to avoid the tests and trials of this mortal probation? ... Wouldn’t every mother like to find the secret of protecting her children, making them invulnerable from the fiery darts of the adversary?

Unfortunately, we cannot protect ourselves from the slings and arrows of misfortune. In fact, we are told to carry the shield of faith to protect us from the fiery darts of the adversary. 

... A basic reason for our learning experiences in this life is to enable us to endure to the end. Our challenges, learning experiences, and the opposition we come up against are supposed to strengthen us, not defeat or destroy us."

Stay tuned until next time.