To Be Educated
(Written by Carolyn Caines)
If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with
perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the
Designer of all language...
I have not been educated.
If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic,
but have not been instructed in God's wisdom ...
I have not been educated.
If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings
with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books - the Bible -
and have no knowledge of its personal importance ...
I have not been educated.
If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical
formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart ...
I have not been educated.
If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but
have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who orders
our universe ...
I have not been educated.
If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write
a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced
to the Maker's purpose for all creation ...
I have not been educated.
If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution,
but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country ...
I have not been educated.
If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write
music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the
Director of the universe and worship Him ...
I have not been educated.
If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 push-ups
without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do
God's will ...
I have not been educated.
If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint
a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and
beauty comes from a relationship with God ...
I have not been educated.
If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with
a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing
for me ...
I have not been educated.
If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is
moral and right, but have not been told of the sinfulness of man and his
hopelessness without Christ ...
I have not been educated.
However, if one day I see the word as God sees it, and come to know Him,
Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for
me ...
I have been educated.
And from the Bible:
"And now I will show you the most excellent way.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I
have a faith that can move mountains,
but have not love,
I am nothing.
If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love,
I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13: 12-13 (NIV)
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