April 24th, 2018

                                                          Always Learning

I read a story recently about a man in New York City who died at the age of 63 without ever having a job.  He never worked a day in his life.  Instead, he was a professional student.
He spent his entire adult life in college.  He had acquired so many academic degrees that they looked like the alphabet behind his name.

Why did this man spend his entire life in college?  When he was a child, a wealthy relative died who had named him as a beneficiary in his will.  It stated that he was to be given enough money to support him every year as long as he stayed in school.  And it was to be discontinued when he had completed his education.

The man met the terms of the will, but by staying in school indefinitely he turned a technicality into a steady income for life – something his benefactor never intended.

This man reminds me of what Paul predicts will happen in the last days.  People will be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people (II Timothy 3:5.) He goes on to describe them as always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth (II Timothy 3:7).

Now I love a good Bible study as much as anyone.  I enjoy reading and learning new things.  But I am reminded that knowledge must lead to action.  The apostle James warns us to be doers of the word, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).

How are you using your knowledge to help or strengthen someone today?  Keep learning?  Yes! But find a way to put those words into practice.  Use that knowledge for God’s glory.                        

​Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
 
 
 
 
If you would like to comment or if you have questions for Pastor Barry you may direct those to bglawson75@gmail.com.   We would love to hear from you.