Learning

<<education, studying>>

All of life is a learning experience, and we can learn so much from others. Involvement and participation in the learning process has always been far more effective than simply listening as in the lecture method of teaching. The aim should not be to amass head information so you can impress others with your knowledge but rather to enable you to live more effectively by applying what has been learnt and are able to impart to others (Jas 1:22-25).

Advancing technology demands we continue to learn and master new skills in the secular world. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify what you are taught, so the foundation of that learning is always based on solid truth and recognised facts.

Observe others, then as you are able to incorporate these desirable good habits and qualities into your life (Phil 4:9). We can also learn from the criticism of others if it is taken in the right attitude. With our mistakes, we

Have a teachable spirit, hungry for truth

should analyse what went wrong and correct it for next time. Old negative habits and destructive methods that did not work have to be unlearned – replacing them with new and positive ones that will bring about the desired results.

Be supportive, helpful and tolerant when people ‘get it wrong’. Don’t belittle them. If warranted, graciously point out where they went wrong and how to fix it. Many mistakes are due to poor communication, inadequate instruction or supervision. A sound teaching method is to reinforce through repetition. Work alongside and mentor, giving advice and tips.

By learning spiritual truths, we become better acquainted with Christ and thus better disciples, more able to live productively for His Kingdom. “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (Jn 13:17). Grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, entering into all the resources available to us in Christ, as having a good grasp of the truth is a safeguard against falling into deception (Act 17:11; 2 Pet 3:17,18). To do this requires an ongoing relationship of faith and trust in Christ, and understanding of the Bible principles. The responsibility is on us to “correctly handle the Word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). “I am your servant, give me discernment…Show me the path I should take” (Ps 25:4, 119:125).

Learning is progressive, building and consolidating on a solid foundation; provided the basics are well established you will become mature and stable – this applies to both the secular and Christian realms (Prov 1:5; Heb 6:1; 2 Pet 1:12-15). In the lifelong process of learning, some things have to be 'unlearned' as they are totally misleading and the truth

Life is continually teaching, so never stop learning

relearnt. Be discerning and do not blindly accept everything circulated by the mass media as they are often pressured and manipulated to spread less-than-balanced and truthful information.

Unfortunately, though, in the ‘last days’ there will be those who, in spite of acquiring much natural worldly information, fail to acknowledge the truth as found in Christ, instead in their ‘wisdom’ choosing to follow deceiving spirits and depart further from the truth (Rom 1:21-23; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 3:7).