Continued Education

School is just around the corner. For some, this will be the first year in a long line of many, while for others this will be the last one… at least that they planned on having. Then there are those of us out living in the “real world” who understand that the learning really never stops, and often times have to take “continuing ed” credits, to keep us going. A clear testimony that there is always something more to learn.

Continued education shows up in just about every walk of life or profession whether it’s to teach in school, drive a truck, work out in the fields, or in food service. Sometimes continued education is a review, while at other times, the education is needed to introduce new technologies or techniques. Just like we take advantage of “continued education” in our areas of work or interest, we need to continue our spiritual education.

When it comes to learning the scriptures, there is no one who gets to the point of “knowing enough”, and certainly no one gets to graduate from church. In the book Proverbs 9:9 Solomon says, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” The wise man is still gaining wisdom, and the righteous man is still learning.

The wise man knows he has still has more to learn. The wise man wants to learn, and the wise man will do whatever it takes to learn. He won’t be satisfied with the status quo.

Statistics are staggering that show the number of kids who leave the church after they graduate, somewhere between 70-80%. (depending on where you find your data) Chances are high that of those who stay in the church, or who ever come back to the church, many find themselves on the high end of the percentage chart of those who don’t really ever know or learn more than they did when they were a child.

What about you, the reader of this article? Have you been continuing your “spiritual education”? If so, I am proud of you, one of the few that I believe actually do. Even as a pastor I continue mine. I read and study for a sermon, but I also read and study for myself. I am even taking an online class to continue my education.

I am not trying to pat myself on the back but show that none of us ever knows enough. I want to be like the “wise man” Solomon refers to. I want you to be “wise” as well.

1. Walk yourself into a good Bible believing church and commit to attending regularly.

2. Find yourself a good Bible and start reading it daily. (The book of Mark is recommended)

3. If the best you can do is go online, then go online.

But do something to continue your “Spiritual education”.

Keep your eyes on Jesus,

- Pastor Josh McLachlan