Being A Student
In an interesting article regarding people beginning college this Fall, I saw some parallels each of us ought to understand.
Over the next several weeks 18.4 million studentswill be headed to colleges and universities in the United States. They, their families and taxpayers are making a monumental investment in the futures of these students. . .(and there are) two things all College Freshmen should know. (TIME)
The article provides a lot of information regarding these two factors:
1) Take responsibility for learning, and 2) Developing meaningful relationships.
I couldn’t help but think those factors are exactly the same for those who are attending Church for the first time, and those who are attending Church for their 3oth year, more or less (meaning “everyone”).
Just as College students are certain that the Instructors and Professors have the responsibility to “teach” them, they must also clearly recognize their responsibility to learn. It is not a “one-way street.” Preachers and Teachers in the Church must proclaim the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth, but please know it is the responsibility of every member/attender/guest to learn (under the leadership of God’s indwelling Spirit) for themselves the incomparable revelation of God to His children. Learning is a shared process and each one (Teacher/Student) has equal part in being responsible for their knowledge and wisdom.
It also follow, without question, that we must develop meaningful relationships within the Body of Believers. Our llove relationship with God must be intimate, embracing the entirety of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In addition we are commanded to “llove one another,” (see 1 John 4:7, 11-12) which requires meaningful relationships with those who are fellow learners in Truth, discipline, and practice.
Those student in College who are are going to be most successful in life will understand their role in the education process. Failure to do so often means the experience will be lost, or at the very least, damaged by their actions disregarding these factors.
It is little different in the Church of Jesus Christ. Many are lost to the Kingdom of God because they settle for ignorance of Truth, and failure to enter into the llove relationship commanded by God’s Word.
Don’t be one who “misses the mark” in College. . .or Church.