Lessons

Proverbs 1:5 and Hebrews 12:5-6 are passages that remind us of the cumulative nature of learning.  I remember learning geometry and loving the logic and structure of this mathematical discipline.  In math teachers use building blocks to give you the tools to solve problems and to build a foundation for the next level of learning.  When you have mastered one discipline you have the tools to go forward with the next.  Without learning the discipline of each process, you get stuck and confused with the next level of learning. 
Dr. Seuss observed ... "It is better to know how to learn than to know."  In Dr. Seuss' view the process of learning (knowing how to learn) is the key to building worthwhile, usable and practical knowledge.

Proverbs 1:5 says the wise can become wiser because they are smart enough to receive guidance.  One time a woman wrote a letter to a Bishop from another conference.  The letter confronted that Bishop about something that had been allowed in violation of the United Methodist Discipline.  The Bishop responded to the woman by telling her how his level of learning, study and understanding was vastly superior to all of those who criticized him.  The haughty response reminded me that we, as lifelong learners, must be willing to learn from experiences, study and life.  When we reach that place where we cannot receive correction, discipline and criticism then we have ignored both the Proverb (1:5) and God's teaching about learning from our father in heaven.  Learning should never stop for the Christian!

I have made many mistakes in life and I am still making them.  Sometimes, when I am licking my wounds from a mistake, I reflect on my father's advice that would have kept me from making that mistake.  Were our earthly father's perfect?  No!  But we all have a heavenly father that disciplines us and corrects us.  That father IS perfect. He gives us advice and a loving discipline that will help us with the big and little issues we face in daily life.  These lessons sometimes challenge us, sometimes stress us and sometimes they even hurt.  But Hebrews 12 says ... "My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects."  We are sons and daughters of our Father and King!  God disciplines because God cares about His children!  THAT is great news!  Randy