LIFESTYLE 45
Marnita Coleman GLOBAL MUSIC LINK EDITORIAL TEAM Marnita is an author and host of The Marnita Show, a parenting show aired daily across the globe
STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED
I
n a 2015 speech, Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards of United Kingdom, concluded: “Education is the engine of our economy; it is the foundation of our culture, and it’s an essential preparation for adult life.” He further declared to a room of teachers: “We all have a responsibility to educate the next generation of informed citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said, and instilling in them a love of knowledge and culture for their own sake.” In a broad sense, Gibb, in a reformative discourse, placed the quality of life on the UK’s altar of education. Clearly, education is a pillar necessarily woven into the fabric of every developed society. Individuals need to learn the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. While Gibb’s remarks on the significance of education were noteworthy, my mind contrasted his latter comment with the Apostle Paul’s insightful writing, instructing Timothy to ‘study to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth’ (2 Timothy 2:15). Paul places accountability of appropriating godly knowledge onto the student, rather than the system. In fact, Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:14-17: ‘You must continue to advance in strength with the truth [of God’s Word] wrapped around your heart, being assured by God that He is the One who has truly taught you all these things. Remember what you were taught from your childhood from the Holy Scrolls, which can impart to you wisdom to experience everlasting life through the faith of
Jesus, the Anointed One! God has transmitted His very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfil any assignment God gives you.’
‘Reading God’s Word will improve your overall health, mind, body and soul.’ Along with Christian education, we incorporate traditional education because it is necessary and has relevance. However, the secular should not be more esteemed than the sacred. Yet, some think a degree replaces God’s anointing. In our zeal to thrive in life, has the body of believers devalued Christian education? According to a new poll commissioned for the Archbishops’ Council Evangelism Task Force, only six percent of British adults read the Bible, while 55 percent of Christians in the UK never do so. For those of you, who are astonished by the above statistics and desire to reset the passion in your hearts to study God’s Word, here are three simple steps for daily time in the Word. 1. Make reading the Word of God a priority. While everyone is busy doing life, schedule time for daily dosages of Christian
education. Reading God’s Word will improve your overall health, mind, body and soul. Proverbs 4:20-22 says: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” 2. Select a quiet place to spend time with God. When studying the Word of God, find a quiet spot away from high-traffic areas, noisy locations, or loads of movement, so you can concentrate and hear God’s voice. Jesus said in Luke 11:28, “But even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.” 3. Take time when examining the Scriptures. There is no need to rush through the Bible. Getting an understanding is more important than reading numerous chapters. Let the Word of God marinate in your heart and mind. Joshua 1:8 says of the Word: “Meditate on it day and night, so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” When life can be fast and furious, it is easy to miss a thing or two. The pandemic has taught us how to pause and prioritise. Hopefully, we will not go back to the hustle and bustle of pre-COVID days. Respectfully, traditional education is required as a matter of law, and it is a good thing. On the other hand, Christian education is a choice and matter of love. God gave us His Word so we would know Him as our Father. Do not disappoint the King of glory. Study to show yourself approved! www.keepthefaith.co.uk
