There Is More to Learn

  If I learned my ABC's, can read rapidly, and can write with perfect penmanship, but cannot see God's glory revealed in His created work (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:19), I have still more to learn.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade others with my stunning logic, but cannot communicate with the Designer of all language (Psalm 2:6, 119:130), I have still more to learn.

If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with understanding, but have not read the greatest of all books, the Bible, and have no knowledge of its importance (Proverbs 2:1-5, 9:10; Eph 4:13), I have still more to learn.

If I have memorized multiplication tables and chemical formulas, but have never disciplined myself to plant God's Word in my heart (Psalm 119:104-106; Col. 1:9; 1Tim. 2:4), I have still more to learn.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but do not know the unchangeable laws (Malachi 3:6; Jas 1:17) of the One who orders our universe (Genesis 8:22; Psalm 74:16-17; Jeremiah 10:12), I have still more to learn.

If I can classify living things by their family, genus and species, and can write an award-winning scientific paper, but have not realized the Maker's purpose in creation (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 145:16; Isaiah 45:18), I have still more to learn.

If I can play the piano and the violin, and can write music that others enjoy, but do not know God's harmonious truths which lead to life (Isaiah 12:2; John 17:3), I have still more to learn.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball, or do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never determined to run the race that leads to eternal life (Philippians 3:14), I have still more to learn.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of Da Vinci, or paint a notable portrait, but have not seen that all beauty comes from a relationship with God (Psalm 29:2, 90:17), I have still more to learn.

If I graduate with honor and am accepted at the university with a full scholarship, but have not considered a career which would be honorable and pleasing to God (Colossians 3:17, 23), I have still more to learn.

If I am a good citizen and pursue what is moral and right, but do not acknowledge the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ (Rom. 3:10, 23, 5:12, 17; Eph. 2:12), I have still more to learn.

However, when I begin to see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal (John 17:3), and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose in me (Micah 6:8), then I will have found the true teacher, who leads me ever deeper into a knowledge of things that really matter.

G. Rice – used by permission