Be a Humble Follower

“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.’” Matthew 11:25, 26 NIV

The value of a good education cannot be understated in the world today. We see the results of this by the examples of under developed countries and societies where education is not a priority or possible due to economic restraints. The opposite is noticeable by countries and societies which place a great emphasis on educating their young people. It is also a noticeable concern on the value placed on an ever-changing curriculum to satisfy the demands of the many social issues of our day diminishing necessary hours devoted to the basics of education. In the end, those countries and societies that have a balanced educational system will prepare the next generation to succeed both individually and for society at large.

While secular education and advanced knowledge are essential to our way of life here on earth, religious education doesn’t prepare us for life beyond this life. Sometimes religious education, even ‘Christian’ education, can get in the way of the truth of the gospel. Religious schools and universities are not immune to the pressures from outside their walls of education. Those places of higher learning will soon fall to the temptation for inclusion and financial support if not maintaining the simple childlike faith of the gospel. Jesus said in Matthew 11:25, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” The ‘wise and learned’ in Jesus’ day were the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. They were the professors in the religious schools of higher learning. Their many years of study had blinded them and overshadowed the basic truth of the Word of God. They were filling their minds, but not their hearts. They were pursing book knowledge but not the author of the book.

Our Lord is not impressed by our educational pursuits in the secular field, religious field or both. He is not impressed by our standing in the community or the boards of education we sit on. And He is not impressed in the position we hold in the church, although all these accomplishments can be used to serve Him, and in that He is well pleased.

Jesus said His Father was pleased to reveal the things of His mission to little children, humble followers of Christ. As important as education is in our day, the gathering of information and acquiring of knowledge, do not let it keep you from becoming a ‘humble follower.’