“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 ESV)
Primary education, in my days, centered around the basics, the three “Rs,” Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. Today, the students seem more interested in three “Cs”, Computers, Code” and Complex topics. I guess if you wanted to add to the three “Cs,” you could add cafeteria breaks and conversation.
When I entered the third grade, I had to be around seven years old. My education had actually started before age five, prior to Kindergarten. You see I was educated in Sunday School long before going to public school, attending the toddler classes at church. Keep that in mind, while I get back to public school. Vividly I recall the third-grade teacher asking the class, “How was the world created?” Eagerly, I raised my hand, drawing the attention of my smiling teacher. Using her proverbial pointer, the teacher calls on me and I respond to her question with confidence in what my pre-primary grade education had taught me, “God created the heavens and the earth.” The smile on my teacher’s face disappeared. My answer did not coincide with the curriculum that was to be taught. She holds her pointer with both hands as if she is ready to break it in half, similar to star baseball players who strike out. She says, “That’s not what I’m looking for,” and she quickly calls on another student who gave a scientific response, straight from the approved textbook. As sensitive as I could get as a child, her action did not bother me. I knew I was standing on the truth.
In the classroom of life, individuals will always face opposition to the truth, and unfortunately many people of all ages will be convinced or unconsciously influenced by the unproven, intellectual-like explanations or seemingly erudite or popular views that are just not true. Think about it! We will have times where we face worldly views that oppose the word of God and all it’s wisdom. We will face times where scientific explanation is opposite to our Sunday School education; the latter still grounded in truth. We will face barbershop and beauty shop wordy debates that are distinctly based on hearsay, old tales, personal opinions, and even myths passed on over generations. We will face times where academic excellence will argue against the epitome of excellence that is found in the word of God, that which is inspired by His Excellency who is all-knowing. With a similar thought in mind, Lee Strobel wrote a book entitled, “The Case For A Creator” in 2004 and in the first chapter he writes about “White-Coated Scientist” versus Black-Robed Preachers.” What he was pointing to is still happening today. The opposition of satanic influence, secular behaviors, scientific speculation, and the sad impact of sinful, societal ways, which by the way make God sad, are not new. This has occurred throughout the ages.
So I have two pieces of advice for you today: (1) Stand on the truth found in the word of God, regardless of what others will choose to believe, and (2) Speak the truth verbally and/or say it by your manner of behavior, your Christian conduct. Remember, His truth is always the correct answer, and it will endure forever. I’ll let you get going and hope the best for you this Wednesday morning. Be blessed!
“Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 Good News Translation)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King