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Monday, March 27, 2017

Education Elevation

This post is a part of  Idolizing Knowledge series. 


Education can lead to many opportunities. It increases the knowledge. Certain education is necessary for survival such as the ability to read and write along with arithmetic. We need to know how to read, write and count. Many societies place a great emphasis on education. Better education allows quite often to get a better paying job. 
We are more inclined to trust someone with an education. People, whom we call experts have much education and much experience in their respective fields. The level of education is mentioned often during conferences. When the speaker is introduced we hear the educational achievements after the name. 
What about the Lord? Bible doesn’t say that education is a sin. Education can help us to achieve the purpose which the Lord has for us. It can enhance our talents. Going to college could be a great thing. However, it can also be an instrument of sin.
Obtained knowledge can give us a sense of superiority. We begin to look at others with pride. On the other hand, we look at those with more education with reverence and awe. Idolizing one aspect—knowledge —leads to exalting of the idolized individual.   These people can become idols. How often we read Christian books while neglecting reading the Bible.
Idolizing a person with greater knowledge leads away from the Lord. Whenever we turn our eyes from Jesus we move away from the Lord. He is the only one worthy of worship.
In many cases, the Lord doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies those whom he calls. His ways are not our ways. The best candidate for a position in our opinion may not be the best candidate, but the Lord could have a different opinion. Just because someone doesn’t have the education doesn’t mean that the Lord hasn’t gotten the plan.
Bible has many examples of people who were not educated and yet had great parts in God’s plan. Jesus never looked down on those who were poor and lowly.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18. 

Education can contribute to the pride. Idolizing the knowledge leads to distraction.  Many who fell were arrogant.
As believers, we need to look at people as Jesus looked at them. They need to know God.

Irina


4 comments:

  1. I also agree with you that we should not idolize knowledge.Some of most devoted believers I know did not to go to university nor any theological school.I've heard several times in my life,amazing words of faith spoken from little kids who believe Jesus. Rule of God's kingdom is different from one of this world.

    As for me,I went to one university,learned international relations,culture including religion,area studies and languages.Most knowledge I got there were useless when I was an office worker,but I thank God humbly that He allows me to use the knowledge now in communicating faithful sisters of other contries,having interest in world mission.
    God can use our knowledge,He may prepare it for His plan to
    us.

    Fearing God.This is what we need,I think.

    Sanae

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    1. Absolutely, we can even make an idol out of our theology. I amazed at how the Lord uses your knowledge to communicate with the believers across the globe.
      Yes, we need to have a fear of God.
      Irina

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  2. Love how you connect pride and the pursuit of knowledge Irina! What may start out as a love of learning can quickly become a love of self, of control, or reputation, and a sense of superiority. Thanking the Lord we don't have to compete or worship anything but Him! Thankful you're part of the series : )

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    Replies
    1. Bethany,thank you so much for the opportunity. It was an honor to be a part of the series.

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