BYU NewsNet - Devotional: Do as much as you know

Knowledge isn't enough - it is important to act on that knowledge, said William Baker, a professor in the Marriott School of Management, in Tuesday's (July 25, 2006) Devotional.

"We need to constantly increase our knowledge," Baker said. "We must improve our behavior to improve that knowledge. Why don't you do as much as you know? This question gets closer to the core of the problem."

Baker quoted Elder Dallin H. Oaks from a November 2000 conference address when he said: "In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to become something."

Baker gave examples of four types of knowledge. Harmful knowledge includes much of today's media, particularly pornography. Useless knowledge is knowledge that is largely a waste of time. Shifting towards "good knowledge" useful knowledge includes education and things learned at the university. Vital knowledge, the final type, is found in the temple, scriptures, and church magazines and is truthful and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

"Just as pioneers used Brigham Young to guide along a physical path, so must we use our modern prophets to guide our path," Baker said.

Students can receive guidance from the prophet through the Ensign, among other sources.

There are many reasons people don't do as much as they know. Some reasons include busy schedules, having wrong priorities, exercising poor time management and general laziness.

"Each step upward in knowledge must be followed by a step upward in action," Baker said. "The greater the gap between knowing and doing, greater the sin. Where much is given, much is required."

Baker said harmful and useless activities can fill our time, just as harmful and useless materials can fill our minds. He also said students need to spend their time doing things that are useful and essential. They should give service and lose themselves in good work.

Just like it is important to have knowledge and follow that knowledge up with action, it is important to strive to be Christ-like.

Christ was the Savior not just because of his perfect obedience but also because of his perfect love, Baker said. Church members are not expected to be perfect but to be constantly trying to be better.