MIKE’S MUSINGS ….

THE LEARNING CURVE

   There were times when my schoolteachers announced to the class, “I’m going to grade this test on a ‘curve.’” While it sounded good, the fact is the ones scoring highest helped the lower scores, yet the lower scores diminished all benefits to the higher ones. It was an unfair way of grading and tended to discourage all effort in achieving good grades. Those who worked the hardest would not benefit from their arduous work, and those who worked little got a “free ride.” Students quickly figured out who was really “carrying the grades;” and this would division, as well it should!

   What is beneficial is “the learning curve!” Unlike the unfair “grading curve” the learning curve purposely involves those who know and those who do not know the subject. The learning curve combines the minds of those who know with the minds who eager wish to learn and both benefit! Those with knowledge remember they once sought to learn; and by the grace of God, someone with knowledge imparted to them what they needed to learn! Now, they can exhort and admonish the soul seeking knowledge! This is the lesson taught regarding obedience to the gospel (Matthew: 28:19 – 20) and continues throughout the existence of the Lord’s church (2 Timothy 2:2).

   Similarly, husbands and wives must go through a “learning curve.” Peter said, “Likewise ye husbands, dwell with them [the wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7) First, no man will ever understand the emotions/feelings/desires of a woman unless she teaches him! Likewise, no woman will ever know these things of a man unless he teaches her! Therefore, both husband and wife need to take the time to teach each other: a process that takes time, patience, vocal communication, and enough love for each other to help the other grow in this love (1 Corinthians 13) It is akin to the same way we grow in Christ (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 5:22 – 33).

    We also make this claim with parents and children: neither will understand the other without this “learning curve” as parents have never had children before and certainly the children have no knowledge of what it is to be a parent! (Ephesians 6:1-4).

   I muse on how factual this idea of a learning curve is, and how effectively it works! After all, there is much for me to learn … and lots for me to teach! What about you? Are you learning? Are you teaching? Is GOD pleased?