Purpose of Education

 "What do you know?" a friend would ask as his greeting instead of  "how are you?"  The truth is most of us "know" a lot of things, facts, ideas, feelings, etc., but it was always tough to give a specific answer.  Maybe a better question is "What do you know that impacts your life?" rather than asking for a volume of unrelated facts that one could share. 

From infancy a child is learning how to live in this world and gaining instruction to shape his life.  In a general sense this is called education.  Education is defined by Noah Webster, "The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners; education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations."  More than a series of subjects, facts and methods, education affects our understanding, the formation of character, and the way we prepare for being useful in life.

Since God created the world and all that is in it, Psalm 19 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork."   The underlying principle is that everything created and rightly understood will show the glory of God.  Facts lead to conclusions which give understanding.  All truth, every aspect of creation, shows the wisdom and eternal power of God (Romans 1:20).   

This truth is further declared in Colossians 1:16-17, "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." Therefore, it follows that the study of all things would show His ways and His nature.  From God's perspective, Colossians 2:3 reveals "Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Therefore, the purpose of all wisdom and knowledge is to reveal and come to know Jesus Christ.

Likewise, Jesus explained that the ultimate purpose of life is "that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)  Everything else that does not lead to a greater knowledge of Him is wasted effort and deception leading to destruction.  

Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  Likewise, "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord." according to Psalm 111:10.  Anything that is built upon any other foundation than respect and awe for the wisdom and authority of God will not stand. 

Fallen nature's thoughts and ways are not God's thoughts and ways.  In order to know God we are told "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)  Jesus promised if we continue in His Word, we would know the truth.  The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. Therefore, the purpose of education is to have the mind and heart enlightened by truth to know Jesus and to be changed into a "new creature" who walks in His ways.