When we speak of education, we know it is one person imparting knowledge to another person. The one imparting knowledge is likely older, or more educated than the one receiving the knowledge.
Education is receiving knowledge that you do not have. If you have knowledge about something, you do not need to be educated about it.
We would all agree that education is very important for survival on this earth, and also in order to obtain eternal life. There is a lot we do not know.
When you think of the word “educate” it often makes you think of children and schooling. When asked, “Where have you been educated? Have you received an education?” The typical answer that the person is looking for is what school did you attend. The word “educate” comes from the Latin word educare meaning to “bring up, rear.” In the 1500’s, Shakespeare borrowed it to mean “schooling.” And thus, since then, education has been equated with schooling, but in reality it is more. It is to teach, train, or inform someone in order to develop the faculties and powers of a person, whether in a school setting or not.
Some people want to receive more knowledge than they have, but other people do not. They are satisfied with what they have and do not want more. For example, have you ever met people while doing missionary work who tell you they have their own religion and do not want to learn anything more? Often more knowledge and education will bring increased responsibility, something which they do not want.
There are times people are expected to accept education whether they want to or not. For example, children who attend elementary school or who are taken to church.
Many people seeking higher education in the world are willing to pay a high price for a university or college education. The benefit gained from education is in proportion to a person’s desire to accept and receive the education and put it into practice. According to the strength of the “thirst”, will the thirst be satisfied.
Those who thirst for spiritual education are promised, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Some have little thirst for spiritual education but a great thirst for a higher education in the world. One type of education can bring success in the world, but the one less valued can bring success in the emotional and spiritual life and lead to eternal life. While there is nothing wrong with higher education in this world as this education can be used to benefit mankind, such as education in health care; however, if this higher education in the world leads to a neglect, or reduced thirst, of the higher education provided in the Word of God, then there is a problem.
To receive an education often requires one to put forth an enormous amount of energy, to task one’s mental capabilities to the utmost. However, the reward is worth the effort.
I want to now use some of these concepts and ideas to address the subject of, “Educate yourself.” When you are a learner receiving education, you need to have a teacher.
When you hear someone say “educate yourself”, one would naturally think that this is education received without the help of any other person. Yes, this is exactly true, but many take it to mean that they can go to the library and take books and read, or look on the Internet; however, you have not fully educated yourself in the truest sense in that you are still taking education from information from another person. You just do not have someone standing over you and providing tests to prove that you have obtained and received the expected knowledge from the education. So, how can you truly educate yourself?
To educate yourself requires discipline since no teacher is physically present to encourage you and give you deadlines. You, yourself are the teacher and you are the student; and thus you must task your energies according to your desire to gain the knowledge by yourself. Your thirst and your effort will determine the outcome.
In the Spirit of Prophecy we read of education that you must obtain by yourself. No one else can teach you. You teach—you learn. Think of why she used the word “educate” in the following statements. Ask yourself if you need to educate yourself in these lines because you find yourself lacking.
Firstly, I would like to mention that sin is also a result of education. Adam and Eve had no experiential knowledge of sin when they were created. They were warned of the evil, but they did not heed the warning. They received a knowledge of sin by experience. “And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.” Genesis 3:22. Although God did not know sin by experience, He knew about it and tried to warn Adam and Eve. They chose the wrong pathway and the education they received was not what they wanted. Many make similar mistakes today. They do not heed the warnings given and thus make mistakes that they regret later—mistakes that could have been avoided had they heeded the warnings and learned the lessons others tried to teach them. Some only want to receive education from life’s experiences. You have heard the term, “they learn the hard way.” These people may be taught what is good and right, and how to avoid making mistakes; however, they refuse to listen and say, “let me learn the hard way.” In other words, they will not listen until they have made some of the same negative experiences that their mentors were trying to help them avoid.
“If you educate yourself to make your interest first, self-love will become an absorbing passion, and out of it will grow great evils; such as love of supremacy, and the desire to be thought very good, whether you deserve the good opinion you covet or not. These ambitious desires originated with Satan, and are the ruling principles in his character; and through the fall, and through the influence of his continued temptations, men have become like him in character, in motives, and pursuits. Man has steadily declined in moral excellence, until he has almost lost the image of the Lord, in whose likeness he was created.” –The Youth’s Instructor, May 14, 1884. So, self-love is a learned behaviour. Often children copy their parents and if the parents are living selfish lives, there is a high likelihood that the children will also behave in this manner. They also learn from their peers in school.
Sometimes we may know something intellectually, but to put it into practice is challenging when our heart and feelings are all pointing in the other direction. Thus we must educate our heart to follow what intellect and reason tells us is the right way. There are important areas in which we are told we must gain an education in, whether we feel like it or not. In other words, we are to learn something we did not know or experience before, whether by head knowledge or practical knowledge. These are lessons no one else can teach us. We are our own teacher (with the help of the Lord).
True education begins at home. Parents are to receive their teaching from the Lord, from His word. Once they have educated themselves to systematic Bible reading, they can effectively train their children. “Educate yourself in Bible ways and means, that you may be a successful worker in your own home, for, you see, they need to be saved, for they are sinners.“ –Testimonies on Sexual Behaviour, p. 47. All need to educate themselves in systematic Bible Study and if you have children they will copy you and will also learn to appreciate Bible Study.
Ellen White wrote to a young woman by saying, “You have neglected to educate yourself for systematic household labor. You have not seen the necessity of acquiring habits of industry. The habit of enjoying useful labor, once formed, will never be lost. You are then prepared to be placed in any circumstances in life, . . . You will learn to love activity.” –The Adventist Home, p. 90. Who enjoys housework? But yet it is a very important education. We are told to not only do the housework, but educate ourselves to enjoy it. Many people find housework mundane, as with any small tasks that are repeatedly done. They cannot wait to finish the work, so that they can have some time of leisure—to enjoy themselves. But how much happier would one’s life be if they could educate themselves to find joy in household labour. Once this habit is formed, she said, it “will never be lost. . . . You will learn to love activity.”
We have often heard how it is important to be faithful in the little things and then God will entrust us with greater things—more talents. Household tasks are considered little things by some. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10. However, to be faithful in little things is not natural. It requires education. We must educate ourselves in this regard. “You, . . . should educate yourself to faithfulness in small things. You cannot please God unless you do this.” –Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 2, p. 547
Now we will talk about diet. This requires education for many in the world, and false Christian churches provide little education on the importance of diet and its connection with health and salvation. We are not only to educate ourselves regarding what is good and bad, but educate ourselves to enjoy the good. “Educate yourself to discard all flesh meat. Soon butter will never be recommended, and after a time milk will be entirely discarded, for disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the increase of wickedness among men. The time will come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream, or butter.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 286. (This was written over 110 years ago). We are preparing for an eternal world; a relish for the heavenly diet is not obtained when Jesus comes. It is obtained now. Today we are to eat the diet of heaven. These foods mentioned taste very delicious, but are very unhealthy. The time has come for us to educate our taste to do without them (meat, milk, eggs and anything else not beneficial for health). This is a very difficult battle for some. Sin entered the world through lust of appetite, and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness to gain the victory. What will it take for you to gain that victory?
Do you have a habit of complaining about others? Then, “You should educate yourself and overcome your bigoted and fault-finding spirit. You need to keep the body under and bring it into subjection, lest, after you have preached to others, you yourself should be a castaway.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 464
“Did you realize how many times the Lord has ordered your way, that the will of Satan should not be done on you and your life extinguished, you would not stumble along complainingly. Walk always before God in humility. Trust fully in Him. Let the words on your lips be pleasant words. Censure no one. Educate yourself to excuse and pity all who make mistakes.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 151. Although we do not excuse sin, we do not censure the sinner. Thus we will have to learn to speak well of others and have pity on them as we are all sinners.
Missionary work is natural for some, but for others it needs to be learned. Care must be taken when speaking with people about the truth. Some may speak truth, but the manner in which it is spoken may drive people away. Ellen White wrote to a young missionary. “You are sometimes too formal, cold, and unsympathizing. You must meet the people where they are, and not place yourself too far above them and require too much of them. You need to be all softened and subdued by the Spirit of God while you preach to the people. You should educate yourself as to the best manner of laboring to secure the desired end. Your labor must be characterized by the love of Jesus abounding in your heart, softening your words, molding your temperament, and elevating your soul.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 419
While preaching is a talent given to some, the preacher’s work does not end when they leave the pulpit. All members are to be educated to share the truth with others. “As a watchman upon the walls of Zion, constant watchfulness is necessary. Your vigilance must not abate. Educate yourself to be able to appeal to families around the fireside. You can accomplish even more in this direction than by your pulpit labors alone. Watch for souls as one that must give an account. Give no occasion for unbelievers to charge you with remissness in this duty, by neglecting to appeal to them personally. Talk with them faithfully, and beseech them to yield to the truth.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 706
In doing missionary work, there is need for education to meet different people in different ways. It is mental work that we are called to do. “You need to educate yourself, that you may have wisdom to deal with minds. You should with some have compassion, making a difference, while others you may save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 420. This education comes from the Holy Spirit. Each person is different and requires a different approach in missionary work.
“You need to educate and train yourself in order to become a successful shepherd. You need to cultivate a good temper–kindly, cheerful, buoyant, generous, pitiful, courteous, compassionate traits of character. You should overcome a morose, bigoted, narrow, faultfinding, overbearing spirit. If you are connected with the work of God you need to battle with yourself vigorously and form your character after the divine Model.” – Ibid., p. 420–421. To be an effective missionary and shepherd, we are called to battle with ourselves vigorously. This is one way we educate ourselves in the way of the Lord. Sometimes it takes a vigorous battle to be able to subdue self and to follow and do the works of the Lord, and form a character fit for heaven. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. It takes perseverance and education to deny the world and its pleasures and do the work that the Lord has laid before you and to do it cheerfully.
“Educate yourself to persevere in receiving grace from Him, and imparting it to others. Thus you can exert a strong influence for good. You can be a great blessing if you will obtain the rich treasures of grace and give them to others, speaking wise, appropriate words, leading, drawing, souls to Christ, teaching them to love and appreciate Him whose they are by creation and by redemption. Lay up treasure beside the throne of God by bringing souls to Christ. This is the work that the Saviour values. Those who faithfully do this work will one day sit with Him on His throne.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, p. 126. Is not grace free? Why educate to persevere in receiving it? For some, their natural heart of unbelief may be challenged to believe and thus needs educating. Jacob wrestled all night with Jesus. He persevered to receive the desired grace. Shall we not also wrestle and persevere to receive His grace so that we can impart it to others? “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
Life is not always easy. Some have more struggles than others, but Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. No matter how difficult life is, be happy. This may require you to educate (to teach) yourself, to be happy. Happiness is a choice you make. “Educate yourself to carry a pleasant countenance, and bring all the sweetness and melody possible into your voice. The angels of God are ever near . . . and your harsh loud tones of fretfulness are not pleasant to their ears.” –The Adventist Home, p. 432
It is not only by your actions, but also by your words that can result in your being outside of heaven. You may speak 100%, truth but your manner of speaking may condemn you. “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:37. “Educate yourself to speak pleasant words.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 70
Being kind and tenderhearted is not natural for many. It needs to be learned as it is a requirement for entrance to heaven. “You have a great and solemn work before you to control and subdue yourself, to become meek and lowly of heart, to educate yourself to be tenderhearted, pitiful in your family, and to possess that nobleness of spirit and true generosity of soul which despises everything niggardly.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 256
When life is very challenging, and you are tempted to give up, fearing that the Lord has left you, remember, “Every promise in the Word of God is for us. In your prayers, present the pledged word of Jehovah and by faith claim His promises. His word is the assurance that if you ask in faith, you will receive all spiritual blessings. Continue to ask, and you will receive exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think. Educate yourself to have unlimited confidence in God. Cast all your care upon Him. Wait patiently for Him, and He will bring it to pass.” –In Heavenly Places, p. 71. Some doubt very easily and have a very weak faith in God and are ready to give up with every little wrong thing that happens. They need to educate themselves to have more confidence in God. This is experiential. Someone may tell you to have more faith during trials, but, you must experience it yourself—educate yourself. Trust, whether you feel like it or not. Trust, even if you do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Believe, without a shadow of doubt.
How does your faith grow? “If you would obtain precious victories, face the light that emanates from the Sun of righteousness. Talk hope and faith and thanksgiving to God. Be cheerful, hopeful in Christ. Educate yourself to praise Him. This is a great remedy for diseases of the soul and of the body.” –Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 492. Perhaps praise is not natural to everyone, especially in bad times. We are encouraged to talk faith and praise Him in good and bad times. You may need to educate yourself in this regard, as it may be something you need to learn.
To believe is not natural for some. To believe what they do not see. Jesus told Thomas, “because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29 “You must educate yourself to believe, to take your stand on the elevated platform of eternal truth, and welcome reproach and trial for Christ’s sake. Jesus will help you; angels of God will help you resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.” –The Upward Look, p. 376. To have a strong belief in God takes education and training. And thus once this education is learned, we can “welcome reproach and trial for Christ’s sake.” How can this be done? “Talk light and faith and hope, and educate yourself to see light when God reveals it to you.” –The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891
“You need to take heed to yourselves, to watch and pray, to educate your thoughts to think of heavenly things, to educate your lips to speak on heavenly themes, to become familiar with the heavenly atmosphere, and to be able to teach others that which you have learned of Jesus.” –Selections from the Testimonies for the Managers and Workers in our Institutions, p. 59. Yes, educate yourself to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Have your thoughts fixed on “heavenly things” every moment of the day and speak on heavenly themes.
“Be sure you understand for yourself what kind of education you need that you may educate others to obtain a fitness of character, that will stand the test that is soon to be brought upon all who live upon the earth.” –Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 314
“As you educate yourself, you are prepared to educate others. True religion is simply to follow Christ. A religion expressing selfishness is worthless; for the sinful heart is the real citadel. Until the heart is surrendered unconditionally, the blessing of God cannot flow into the soul; the sunshine of His righteousness does not illuminate the chambers of the mind or the soul temple, and a new life does not begin.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, p. 277
Education is obtaining a knowledge from some source. A knowledge that we did not have before. The essence of this article was to help us understand areas in which we must educate ourselves. An experiential education that is private, between you and God only. It can be obtained from no earthly source. The points brought out were important areas that we need obtain a knowledge by experience which perhaps we did not have before.
In review, we may need to educate ourselves:
- in Bible ways and means
- in systematic household labour
- to faithfulness in small things
- to discard all flesh meat (and unhealthy foods)
- to overcome your bigoted and fault-finding spirit
- to excuse and pity all who make mistakes
- to the best manner of laboring to secure the desired end (missionary work)
- to be able to appeal to families around the fireside
- to have wisdom to deal with minds
- to become a successful shepherd
- to persevere in receiving grace from Him
- to carry a pleasant countenance
- to speak pleasant words
- to be tender-hearted
- to have unlimited confidence in God
- to praise Him at all times
- to believe
- to see light when God reveals it to you
- to think of heavenly things
- to speak on heavenly themes
Remember: ”As you educate yourself, you are prepared to educate others.”
There are likely many more lessons the Lord will ask you to educate yourself with, such as patience and endurance. Just keep in communion with Him and He will guide you. To obtain the required knowledge and education may be very challenging. It may require you to put forth your utmost effort. However, the reward is worth all the sweat and energy you put forth.
“We are to do all that we can do on our part to fight the good fight of faith. We are to wrestle, to labor, to strive, to agonize to enter in at the strait gate. We are to set the Lord ever before us. With clean hands, with pure hearts, we are to seek to honor God in all our ways. Help has been provided for us in Him who is mighty to save. The spirit of truth and light will quicken and renew us by its mysterious workings; for all our spiritual improvement comes from God, not from ourselves. The true worker will have divine power to aid him, but the idler will not be sustained by the Spirit of God.” –Faith and Works, p. 48
“The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 482
When all your feelings point in the wrong direction, the opposite direction, you need to turn about and educate yourself in the matters of God even if it feels so contrary to your human feelings. Stand firm, and make a firm decision to let reason control your heart and emotions. God will give you strength. Let God be your teacher and guide. Amen
Wendy Eaton (Italics in quotes added by author)