“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” 
Proverbs 9:9

This summer my husband attended three classes in order to earn the required credits to renew his state teaching license. Many other professions such as doctors, nurses, plumbers, and pilots also require or encourage continuing education. These opportunities for additional learning help improve work-related skills, teach new technology, offer job security, and encourage and inspire us.

As summer winds down and back-to-school sales flourish in every store, I wistfully remember my own school days. While it has been a long time since I sat in a school desk, I am still learning.  I recently tried a new bread recipe and learned how to make a “sponge.” While reading one of my daughter’s library books, I learned about child movie stars in the 1940’s. I took an online writing course last summer, and learned how to use a Smart Board while substitute teaching this year. While I’m not earning a degree in any of these endeavors, I am growing in knowledge.

Are you a lifelong learner? What have you done recently to continue learning? One area in which we all need to continue to grow is our knowledge of God’s Word. Aren’t you glad that God does not require us to earn a certain number of credit hours before he renews our status as “God’s Children?” Jesus secured that status for us with his perfect life and redeeming death on the cross. Now God encourages us to be lifelong learners and lovers of his Word, which teaches and reminds us of this saving truth.

When was the last time you memorized a new passage from God’s Word, or relearned an old favorite? One day while I helped my daughter practice her “memory treasures” to recite for Lutheran elementary school, she asked me, “Why don’t you have to practice a Bible passage to recite?” I almost answered, “Because I already know them.” Then I thought better of it. Did I really know every passage in the Bible?  Hardly! So instead I said, “Good idea! I’m sure I should. I do know many of these, but it’s been a long time since I memorized a new one.”

I encourage you to continue your education in God’s Word in whatever way you can, whether by memorizing Scripture, reading through a section of your Bible each day, taking an online Bible study course (see www.wels.net/adult-discipleship), attending a Bible class at church, or perhaps taking a class through Martin Luther College or Wisconsin Lutheran College. Motivated by our Savior’s love for us, we take advantage of these opportunities for growth, trusting God’s promise that he will bless our efforts.

Our assignment: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me make it a priority to learn and love your Word. May I not only read and learn it, but also live it, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Written by Katrina Brohn
Reviewed by Professor Joel Gerlach