OUR EDUCATION
F. S. Marsh
When we consider that the children of God are a heavenly family, destined to spend eternity with Christ, to share His kingdom glory and to dwell in the Father’s house, it must lead us to inquire. Why then are they left here on earth and not taken home as soon as they are converted to God?
There are several ways in which this inquiry may be answered, but perhaps one of the most important is that they are being educated now in view of their destiny and future glory. God would have His children spiritually intelligent as to His present mind as well as to His eternal purpose. It has pleased God to use various means to promote this spiritual education and it is profitable to recognise and avail ourselves of them.
One of the most simple yet important factors in our education must be the study of the Scriptures, for to Timothy it was said, “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation”. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching”. The Holy Spirit of God has been given, and of Him it was promised, “He shall teach you all things”. As the Scriptures are prayerfully read and considered under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, the believer is instructed, develops a knowledge of God and His truth, and is thus equipped for his life here and educated for the world to come. The Psalmist’s oft-repeated prayer, “Teach me, O Lord”, would be the language of our hearts as we realise our need of instruction and divine teaching. With the open Bible, and all its wealth thus within our reach, there can be no excuse for ignorance, for we are exhorted to “give attendance to reading”.
Again, our education is largely dependent upon the instruction of wisdom, and Christ Himself is the wisdom of God. He is the personification of wisdom as described in the book of Proverbs, who says, “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors”, and also says, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom”.
Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word, was one of wisdom’s children and became so intelligent that she anointed Jesus for His burial when even the apostles had not grasped the great truth of His death and resurrection. The Lord Jesus is our great Teacher and says, “Learn from me”.
There is another aspect of divine instruction referred to in the Epistle to Titus as the teaching of grace. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world”. We are thus instructed how to live in our personal life—soberly; in our life toward our fellow men—righteously; and in our life Godward—piously. When the influence of grace manifests itself in the lives of God’s children the meekness and gentleness of Christ are seen, the path of righteousness is trodden and. God is glorified in their walk. Hence the desire of the apostle—“the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”.
There is yet another part of our spiritual education which can only be gained in the school of sorrow. Deep and important lessons are learned in this school which cannot be learned elsewhere. It was to one who was learning wisdom, and in view of pressure, that the word was given, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction, for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth”.
The brightest impressions of divine love are often received when the dark cloud of bereavement is overshadowing or when there is pressure of circumstances. These are parts of God’s ways with His children for their profit.
It would greatly cheer the burdened spirit to realise that all our circumstances—whether ordered of God or allowed by Him, are part of our education and are necessary for the perfecting of God’s work in us.
What glory to God will the coming day reveal, when the outcome of all the education received in sorrow is manifested! It is in suffering that the strength of the “everlasting arms” is proved, the sympathy of the heart of Christ is experienced, and the love of the brethren expressed; it will be in the glory that all the results of that suffering will be displayed.
May we be encouraged to promote our education by more earnest attention to the word of God and to the instruction of wisdom; then, under the gentle influence of grace, to learn more of Him, whose followers we are, so that even in sorrow holy lessons may be learned which will yield results for the glory of God and for our present and eternal gain.
From ‘Goodly Words’
1929
(Quotations are from the Authorised Version)