Last month we mentioned four requisites that are crucial in attaining excellence. We’ve already covered the necessity of good associations. There are three other matters we need to consider. They are: education, assimilation, and application. Education is defined as: the act, process, or result of educating; Moral and mental discipline gained by study and instruction. I believe it’s vitally important for believers to be educated in God’s word. We need to be teachable. “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:8&9) A wise man will continue to grow in wisdom, because he is willing to be taught. Our attitude will determine our altitude. We should respect those who teach us. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” (Galatians 6:6) It’s detrimental to resist God’s instruction. “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1) Pride is the root of a stubborn attitude. “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” (Proverbs 23:9)

     Humility is the key to promotion and success. God’s way up is down. “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Jesus, the Son of God, is the greatest person who ever lived. Christ submitted himself to the will of his Father. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:7&8) The Lord tasted the full range of human experience. Jesus’ incarnation allowed him to enter humanity. Limitations accompanied his earth walk. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) Let’s follow Christ’s example. We should be excited about maturing as Christians, into strong and well informed sons and daughters of God. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. A-men.” (II Peter 3:18) A godly education will give us tools to excel in our calling. God places no premium on ignorance. Not being informed puts us at a disadvantage. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6a) Some people choose to lose. “But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” (I Corinthians 14:38) Let’s embark on a campaign to rid the body of Christ from ignorance. We can start with ourself.

     Knowledge is power. Knowledge is defined as: understanding and information gained from being educated, clear perception of a truth, fact, or subject, that which is known. God’s revelation knowledge is transformative. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Lies hold people in bondage: truth liberates. Jesus told us to be selective about what we hear. “And he said unto them, take heed what ye hear.” (Mark 4:24a) Relevant information is a great asset. Pursuit and possession, of the knowledge of God, will enhance us. Knowledge for knowledge’s sake breeds arrogance. “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” (I Corinthians 8:1b) The proper use of knowledge is to help people solve problems. The love of God compels us to use what we have to benefit others. It takes persistence to understand the bible. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) Those who desire to know the Lord, through his word, will apply themselves to diligent research. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (I Timothy 4:16)

     As important as knowledge is: wisdom is more important. Wisdom’s definition is: knowledge practically applied to the best ends; natural sagacity; prudence; skill in affairs; good sense, judgment. Knowledge helps us to understand: wisdom shows us how to apply knowledge in the best way. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) Knowledge without wisdom can be dangerous. It’s like a child with a gun: there’s a great risk of tragedy. Knowledge informs us of bad road conditions in the winter. Wisdom tells us not to drive fast, or slam on the brakes: because the roads are icy. Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge. Wisdom helps us to use, and not misuse, the knowledge we have. Our education will open many doors. Hard work pays off. Let’s attain the knowledge of God, and the Lord will grant us wisdom to use our resources wisely.  Education is essential in our pursuit of excellence.