Don't Let School Get In The Way of Your Education

Well, once again that time is almost upon us.  The passage of each beautiful sun-filled summer day with all of the carefree leisurely activities we can cram into them inevitably brings us painstakingly closer to another school year.  For many, adults and children alike, the phrase, “back to school” is enough to send many spiraling down the black hole of utter despair, while some (viewed as a strange bunch), actually look forward to another burgeoning academic year, and all of the excitement (whether good or bad) it will bring.  Obviously, some of these claims are made in jest.  Nevertheless, some do view school simply as a necessary evil, while others view school as the greatest societal instrument by which one can secure future financial and social prosperity and true inner fulfillment.   As an educator myself, I obviously lean toward the latter.  However, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ I must attest that one shining principle is often obfuscated when education is discussed, especially for our young people starting college, or are returning to college.  

THE MAIN THING
First of all, I think we can all agree that an education is a critical component of anyone’s plan and strategy for any measure of sustained, future success.  And I do understand that “success” is a relative term but for the purposes of this brief treatise, “success” will simply refer to the ability to be self-sufficient and fulfilled as one makes an impact in the lives of others, in a decent and honorable vocation.  Of all of the subjects, concepts, and skills taught and learned across the myriads of educational institutions from coast to coast, each set of educational standards are intended to be built on previous standards to the effect that students are constantly becoming more and more rounded, increasingly refined, and intellectually mature.  Whether the Kindergartener or First Grader is learning their “ABCs”, or that high school Senior is grappling with AP Calculus, in all cases, the goal is mastery so that every respective student can apply their knowledge meaningfully over the course of their lives in whatever vocation they aspire to.

Kudos to all of the students staying on the grind for academic excellence; in a society wherein negativity drives the news cycle, you all deserve extensive time in copious amounts of limelight.  It takes discipline to stay focused; self-control is essential for achieving any type of goal, especially in academia.   Nevertheless, I do have an exhortation that on the surface may appear contradictory: Please don’t let school get in the way of your education.

Unfortunately, school is conflated with education, and as this brief discourse races toward a hopefully edifying conclusion, allow me to provide some clarification for this kindly advice.  “School” can be thought of as the systematic matriculation through educational institutions, but “education” could be thought of as true, authentic learning and this “education” is best indulged in simply by living.  For the believing student (in Christ), his or her best education will always come through their simple walk with the Lord.  No number of degrees, no amount of schooling can ever be allowed to eclipse the superior learning one does in the daily Christian Walk, especially in our heart-wrenching failures when the firm yet loving hand of the Savior corrects us, restores us, and then encourages us to forge forward with Him as we live life.  

“Truly, the best lessons to be learned can’t be learned in anyone’s classroom.”
   
Princeton.  Harvard.  Howard.  Morehouse.  As renown as these institutions are for their academic rigor and distinction, their respective curricula pale in comparison to the treasures of the Word of God.  Degrees earned from these and countless other great universities cannot compare to the priceless, invigorating approval of the Great Teacher, the Master Himself: the Lord Jesus Christ.   Ultimately, students, I beseech you to never allow schooling to get in the way of your learning.  I beg you to not sacrifice the wisdom and knowledge of Christ on the altar of financial prosperity and prestige.
  
College students, your opportunities of greatest growth will be presented to you embedded within your day-to-day decision-making tests as you manage your time and relationships; and I think every college-educated person will likely agree that the hardest part of college is time management, and equally balancing social activities with academic goals.  This is especially difficult because college usually takes the student away from parental supervision and the structure of home life.  All the more reason to be dedicated to your education from your walk with Christ.  

For all my high school students (including three of my own), don’t let go of the godly principles that have seen you through to this unique time in your lives.  I urge you to remain dedicated to learning more and more of the Lord in this unique time especially as most of you are seeking to cement your own self-image apart from others’ perceived image of you.

To all the Elementary and Middle School students, grow more and more into being salt and light in your classrooms, on your playgrounds, at the plays and pep rallies.  Scripture says that unless one follows Christ like a little child, they cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  You are right where you need to be, only continuously keep learning of Christ, at Children’s Church, Sunday School, and Young Brothers and Young Sisters for Christ.

In every case, the lessons learned by walking with the Master Teacher cannot be neglected.  They must be zealously pursued, as these lessons impart true wisdom; the wisdom that can see us through not just levels of school but through the hills and valleys of the ultimate learning institution: Life.  Have a triumphant school year in Jesus’s Name.