GET WISDOM...
Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
I do not, neither need I, quote the question that prompted this memo, it's simply not necessary. However, it is a question that I think is important enough to address.
The moods and opinions of society have a tremendous effect upon the lives of both nations, and the individuals who comprise them. For, from a very early age, mother might see Johnny with a PHD in some humanitarian discipline, while dad would rather he be a football star or renowned baseball celebrity. Mother would perhaps like little Mary to be a nurse while dad... well, maybe it doesn't really matter in this case. Then of course there's the aunts and uncles; add to them the influence of the school counselor, one's peers, TV... the list goes on and on with one common denominator throughout the spectrum of advisers. All agree on this: If one is going to be worth anything and succeed in life, then one has to go through a recognized, formal course of study, and graduate with a diploma that says the recipient is educated.
And so, pressed into this mindset, the hapless student seeks out the most prestigious "Hall of Learning" - the one with the "best" teachers and highest approval rating that he or she can afford, the one to which he or she can gain acceptance - and off the would be scholar goes into the world of academia. Once safely in the net, the student is orientated - perhaps programmed is the more appropriate word - into the system which demands a faithful regurgitation of prescribed information. Now quite naturally, in this system there is little place for any geek born with an independent, free thinking gene in his genome. Such can be made to feel quite out of place. And, if due to financial or other circumstances beyond the control of the individual, entrance into the system is not possible, such a one is made to feel uneducated, uninformed, stupid, and therefore not a little worthless.
Away with such nonsense! The brightest mind this world has ever seen was home schooled in a town in Galilee. The only education He received was obtained at His mother's knee and in Joseph's woodwork shop. And just as it was back then, just so it is today, for incredulous society asks the question: "'How does this Man know letters having never studied?'" However, despite His lack of schooling, that same society had to concede that "' No man ever spoke like this Man!'" (John 7:15, 46)
The truth is, there are no reasons for being unlearned, only excuses. I can't afford it... I don't have time... I'm not smart enough? Baloney! It's simply a matter of the will and one's priorities. Both new and used books are readily available and easily obtainable. On a trip to a local used book store, I came away with seven volumes having a total sticker price - the original stickers were still on most of them - of just over $120.00. I had paid $17.50 plus tax for the bundle. They all had fairly recent publication dates, the one though revised, is a current textbook in use at the local university here. It is truly amazing how quickly one's library will grow if carefully chosen books are purchased a few at a time. Then there is always the internet; that vast storehouse of knowledge on virtually any and every topic imaginable.
But, going above and beyond the thoughts of humanity, the Bible remains the foundation of all learning, for "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." (2Timothy 3:16) Therefore, when anyone studies the grand themes contained in God's indomitable Word, that one brings their own finite mind into contact with infinite wisdom - and is therefore, taught at the feet of the divine Teacher. With the intellect expanded by continual exercise in this pursuit of higher learning, the quest for knowledge and understanding is satisfied. To such as are engaged in such research, the great mysteries of life are unfolded and hidden truths hidden in the far-flung regions of enlightenment are revealed. This is education of the divine order, an education that cannot be purchased anywhere at any price. It is available to any and all who will pursue it. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him... For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6)
Oh friend, do not allow the world to press you into it's mold; for "we have the mind of Christ." (1Corinthians 2:16) God bless!
Noel
September 2003