The Importance of Education:

I have started a new book for my quiet time with Jesus which is, “Restoring All Things: God’s Audacious Plan to Change the World through Everyday People.”  This book is by both Warren Cole Smith and John Stonestreet. This book has been very interesting because it has been bringing up different areas in the world where there are a lot of people, and how Christians can impact those areas. 

One chapter was all about education and how it is a big piece of sharing God’s message and God’s Word with others. This can come in different ways, but they all can make a difference.  Some are starting their own Christian private schools bringing up their own students to know Christ is the one and only God and teaching those students that we are to serve Him.  Others have used public education and to make sure their platform of being Christian to the students in their class.  

Two quotes I really loved about education were, “To learn is an act of worship.”  Then another quote was “We learn so we can more fully become who we were created to be.”  Education does help us  know everything about God and all his creations in the world.  I really loved these quotes because it is a reminder we can worship God in any way, even through education and learning.  When we spend time learning and appreciating, we are worshipping and appreciating God. 

There are some limits to this, however.  It is very important we don’t spend a lot of time learning about unholy or unGodly things.  It shouldn’t be an excuse to learn about things that would be very dishonoring and not loving to God.  I personally love learning about a wide array of topics.  However, I also sometimes find myself interested in pop culture and the things that are happening in the world.  This is especially true when it comes to some of the podcasts I listen to or the shows I watch.   

I personally love education, and I have always enjoyed going to school and learning.  College is where I made the best memories.  I was able to make memories with friends, yes, but at the same time I was also able to make memories with learning in the classrooms or having big discussions, or working on big projects.  I loved getting the chance to spend time learning at college.  

I also have loved getting to work with students and getting to spend time educating youth.  I loved the chance to teach for four years, teaching Spanish.  I also have loved working at nonprofits and getting to be an education coordinator where I can work with students from Waterloo and give them financial literacy education.  Getting the chance to spend time with students and working on lessons has been really helpful to me, reminding me of the importance of education and learning. 

There are many verses about wisdom and paying attention to instruction.  One of those verses is Proverbs 1:7 which says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  It is really true that those who really care about God and not wanting to be a fool will be those who will look at instruction.  Those who are really caring about being a kind and loving God-follower will make sure to follow instruction and do more research and learn more about the Lord and all that His Word has to show.  

The challenge for this week is to spend time thinking about how you feel about knowledge and wisdom.  Is there a time when you find you are good about learning and trying to be closer to God through education.  However, are there times when you don’t spend a lot of time learning and working with education? Are there times you don’t feel as though you need to care about instruction or following the rules and learning?  I want to challenge you to care more about instruction and to care more about the love of learning and the importance of instruction and instructing others.