While contemplating what name to use for my blog, I decided to base it on the scripture that teaches how knowledge, commandments, and covenants are received in our lives - "line upon line, precept upon precept". Over the last year and a half I have discovered a new love and respect for the scriptures and the words of our modern-day prophets. I hope to share insights, quotes, and my point-of-view about the gospel. They will probably be ideas and thoughts that most already understand. I have a lot to learn and I pray that this blog will help me to stretch and grow. Also, I look forward to hearing from other's comments, questions, and testimonies.
In August 2006, then Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught:
The restored Church of Jesus Christ has always encouraged its members to pursue knowledge and education through study and also by faith—line upon line and precept upon precept.
For us, knowledge is understood to be an active, motivating force rather than simply a passive awareness of facts. Indeed, certain truths must be understood and applied because they are essential for salvation and eternal life (see John 17:3; 1 John 4:7–8). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “a man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity” (HC 4:588). His words build on the Savior’s commandment: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).One of my favorite attributes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that we are encouraged to ask questions and to study the scriptures. We are promised that as we search and pray then the Lord will give us answers to our prayers and our faith in Christ will increase. Our understanding and knowledge of the gospel will grow. With added light comes more responsibility to live as our Savior lived and in turn we will make more covenants and desire to be more obedient.
Just as the Savior "received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness" (D&C 93:13), we too, must do the same. As we increase our gospel knowledge "line upon line" it is interesting to note that it is expected of us to also increase "precept upon precept", or in other words to actively increase in obedience to the principles of the gospel. An increase in light and truth should also include a renewed dedication to the commandments and covenants of our Father in Heaven.
