To many, the announcement of school’s beginning means only that our grandchildren will be returning to the rigors of such labor. We’ll all be more attentive to the increased morning traffic, realizing several younger drivers and many more young walkers will be more excited about their surroundings than they will be cautious. Yet, education is not limited to the facilities at elementary, secondary, or higher levels of education. Life itself is an education, taught by the experienced and learned by the serious-minded. Those who reject the lessons of life, believing they can survive just as well when left to their own wisdom, are proof of foolishness and ignorance. (Proverbs 3:5; Hosea 13: 2 – 3). Thus, it is our prayer that we “more mature” in life, rejoice in the continued opportunities to increase our knowledge and apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
It is interesting to watch people and observe their ways of learning. It is encouraging to see souls bring not only their Bibles to services but also pen and paper for recording their notes so they can study more fervently on their own. These are the ones who come to Bible studies and worship services prepared to learn and not just hear. They are the epitome of James 1: 22 – 27 and are tremendous examples of how true students of God’s word remain true students!
Perfect attendance is a rewarded achievement in schools. Scholarships often require the recipient to exhibit a minimal number of absences, as it proves dedication to the process of learning. God requires the same of His students! Hebrews 10:25 warns against the willful neglect of assembling, and the apostle Paul reminds us that the inward man is renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). Those who contend attendance to services is “optional” after attending Lord’s Day mornings severely stifle their spiritual education, and that of other Christians, for they cannot build up one another in the most holy faith, when “one another” are absent! (Jude 20-21) Playing “hooky’ just doesn’t bode well for the soul desiring heaven eternal!
Yes, we all get tired and sometimes drift off to sleep at inappropriate times. We also “daydream” when our focus on the subject goes awry and our minds wander into some fanciful place. In school, teachers chastised us for such inattention. But during worship services, few, if anyone, calls out the offender – probably, because of kindness, we don’t wish to embarrass the offender! Sure, they think they’ve escaped disciplinary action from the brethren, but have they escaped the notice and discipline of God the Father, who knows all and sees all? (Hebrews 4:12 – 13)
Dare we bring up the subject of “homework?” Sure, some teachers assign exorbitant amounts of homework. Considerate teachers recognize that other areas of learning are as important as history, science, language arts, and math. God recognizes this as well and does not assign us homework to the exclusion of enjoying the pleasures He grants in life (Ecclesiastes 3:13). Yet, the primary duty of the Christian is to learn and obey God (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Philippians 2:12). Our pleasure time in life must never be to the exclusion of worshipping Him!
Finally, there is a need to remember what you learn! Each new year of school brings the challenge of beginning where you left off last year. That requires remembrance! Review of those matters is critical, but the review doesn’t continue throughout the new school year – you move on to more advanced things. Likewise, Christians must “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). There should never be a constant state of review, but rather an advancement to the “meatier matters” of God’s word (Hebrews 5:12 – 14). Let’s be eager for learning God’s word, and be well-schooled within it!