In the spirit of “Back to School”, as we focus on preparing our young ones to have another successful year in the classroom, I want to encourage adults to prepare themselves to be successful in “school”, as well. I can imagine many of your reactions to this statement; which are probably similar to mine when someone asks me when am I going back to school to get my doctorate. I give a perplexed look, shake my head, and with clarity and confidence respond, “Never! I am tired of school.” However, over the years I have grown to realize that learning does not start and stop in the realm of formalized education. It is important that we commit ourselves to being lifelong learners, students of Life! Bishop T.D. Jakes says, “The world is an university and everyone in it is a teacher. Make sure when you wake up in the morning you go to school.” Being on a continuous quest to grow in our knowledge can be life-giving, affecting our life's situations in more ways than we think. Ecclesiastes 7:12 states, "For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it." There are many benefits to being a lifelong learner, beyond the acquisition of information, which facilitates growth in our lives.
First, being a Lifelong Learner keeps us Humble. There is something about being on a continual search for knowledge that reminds us of how little we know. Understanding that we do not know it all brings a sense of humility. God is the only one who knows everything, and nothing and no one compares to God. Psalm 147:5says, “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.” Being a lifelong student can develop a humility in us that is refreshing and pleasing to God; and as a student the goal is always to please the teacher (who is God).
Second, being a Lifelong Learner expands our Horizons. God has created a vast, diverse world that is available for us to explore. In Genesis 1:28 when God created male and female, he said unto them, “Be fruitful, and multiply, replenish the earth, and subdue it”. God has put a lot of things on earth for us to enjoy, but the reality is that money, time, and life circumstances may limit us from exploring to the fullest. For example, I would love to go to Africa; however, at this time, the opportunity is not presenting itself because of limited finances and time. However, when I go into the Library I see thousands of books, just on Africa, which allows me to continue to explore, learning interesting things about Africa. Expanding your horizons also allows you to learn new things, which diversify your life’s experience. A great challenge would be to commit to learning at least one new thing a year.
Lastly, being a Lifelong Learner puts in a position to Help others. Proverbs 24:5-6 says, “A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.” This scripture that reminds us that knowledge gives us power, and God gives us power, not for ourselves, but to help others. Committing to being a lifelong learner puts us in a position to empower others. Through all of my career positions, community service, and leadership position, I just really began to value my education since I have become a parent; and the reason why is because it has equipped me to help my children with their homework assignments; to answer their questions about life; and to encourage them to learn. But, I know that as they grow, they will have more questions, their homework is going to get more challenging, and they are going to need encouragement, and so that I can help them I know that I will need to commit to learn more!
So, I encourage you to commit to being a lifelong learner. And, if you don’t know where to start, commit to learning more about God and His word. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Have a great school year, or shall I say, “Have a great school Life!"
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