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Education Ministry

Posted on October 24, 2006 ...

One of the primary methods of educating people is through example, especially as it relates to those who are in our family or circle of influence. Even though we may wish at times that our children, family, friends, and others we influence would do ?¢‚Ǩ?ìas we say?¢‚Ǩ¬ù and ?¢‚Ǩ?ìnot as we do?¢‚Ǩ¬ù, that is seldom going to be the case. If they value our opinion, hold us as a mentor, or desire the character that we have in any fashion, there is a much, much higher probability that they will do exactly as we do.

It is probable that if we were asked about the importance of Sunday School or Discipleship Training we would be quick to point out their value in maturing believers in the Kingdom of Heaven. However, there is a very observable disconnect in our Christian lives between what we say and what we do. If we truly believe that there is value in maturing as Christians and that it is expected of Christ?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s followers, then we should not see it as appropriate to exempt ourselves yet expect it of others.

I would suggest that there are at least two reasons for this argument. The first is that others are watching. If you are in a leadership position in our congregation and determine that you do not need to be in structured classes, then you are validating to others that this arm of the church is optional and that continuing learning is not necessary. Obviously, this will negatively affect the maturity of the congregation as a whole. The other reason is that as long as we have breath Christ expects us to continue to contribute. There is no point in life where we have reached the state of Christian perfection and can opt-out of further growth.

This line of thought is obviously not new or unique, we all hold to it in most facets of our lives. If we don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t want our children to use drugs, then we don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t use drugs. If we want our children to be mannerly, then we are mannerly. If we are concerned about the nutrition of our children, then we choose foods for ourselves that are nutritious. To do otherwise would be inconsistent. Taking up this perspective, it is easy to see that the Christian family that we are a part of is also affected by our actions. If we want others to be maturing as followers of Christ, then we will be involved in activities of the church that will help us to develop our own Christ-likeness. To do otherwise would be inconsistent. - Verlin