Study

About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. (John 7:14-18 ESV).

A preliminary disclaimer: Education is not evil. It seems a bit ridiculous that I might need to begin this devotional with such a statement about education being a good thing; however, often when we look at the paths that education has led our generations there are some who mistakenly believe the fault is the process of learning and discovery. That’s simply false. In 2002, Cobb County Georgia ISD required high school science textbooks to have a sticker attached. This sticker said simply, “This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.” Notice that there was nothing in the sticker that advocated a belief in God. Neither did it even mention Creationism. It simply advised the students to ask questions and form their beliefs based on what they conclude from the evidence. This was really all about good education, about considering different theories with an open mind, which is a part of learning, to be able to consider different outlooks about life. Despite this, the federal courts demanded that these simple stickers be removed from all textbooks. Education is about the free flow of ideas. When you have a theory as controversial as evolution then certainly part of a good education is considering diverse views. In addition, the scientific method itself demands skepticism and examination. Good science requires that theories stand up to probing questions. Truth has no fear. Is there really any difference with the Nazi book burners and how some scientists, educators, and government officials respond to alternative theories? The mindset is the same. I am convinced that any open-minded person need not fear the truth. In fact, they should seek it. I am also convinced that when we truly seek truth, we will ultimately end at finding God. Perhaps you have shied away from study. Perhaps you’ve even used the excuse that study, or education, merely take you further from the truth. I would encourage you to change that belief. Study more, not less. Wisdom comes from our study; and, wisdom takes you into a deeper relationship with God.