The Idolatry Of Learning

Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth - 2Timothy 3:7(NIV).

Learning is central to the acquisition of any forms of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Knowledge, wisdom and understanding are the sacred secret keys of any forms of prosperity. Knowledge enhances speedy and stability in any adventure; wisdom is fundamental to profiting from any forms of knowledge; and understanding makes knowledge both concrete and visible to an average person of ordinary intelligence. Certainly, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold” – Proverbs 3:13-14(NIV). However, not every kind of learning guarantees acquisition of the knowledge of truth (Jesus Christ). The highest form of learning is knowing and abiding in the knowledge of the truth. Real learned persons know and abide in the knowledge of the truth. Without knowing and abiding in the knowledge of the truth, lengthy learning is lethal because its knowledge becomes a grievous nuisance, and its wisdom is reduced to a practical foolishness.

We live in a deceptive world. Good success in this world is all about overcoming deceptions. The more deceptions a person overcomes; the greater the heights that person rises in life. One of such deceptions is that all forms of learning guarantees good success. But this is a fatal false! It has for example been said that there are three main learned professions on earth namely- Law, Medicine, and. Clergy. This is not wholly true. Perhaps, this deep-seated perception keeps on ranging because it takes a lot of learning to become a lawyer, a medical doctor, and clergy. Lawyers are, for example, mostly referred as the learned people because it requires both great discipline and industry to become and remain one! However, only real lawyers are learned lawyers. If mere learning were to be the sole criterion for measuring greatness professors might positively transform this world. Many so-called learned people and professors across the globe are at best living frustrated lives. They may overtly appear better in the eyes the public but only God knows what they are suffering inside! Their belly and mind are full of turbulent tumors and turmoil! They are bereft of real peace and fulfillment.

Real learners through Jesus Christ know God. Knowing God is the highest form of learning. People who know God through Jesus are real learned people. Real learned people always wax strong and do exploits. Thus uncommon strength and exploits are proofs of real learning. Their wisdom builds, their understanding establishes whatever they build and through their knowledge their establishments are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Besides, by their wisdom and knowledge they, respectively, prevail through power, and muster strength always. This means that real learned persons are strong in all circumstances and situations. No wonder Apostle Paul soberly confessed, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” –Philippians 3:8, 10 (NIV). Garbage is a product of idol learning.

Idolatry is anything that turns a person from the knowledge of the truth. For J.P. Timmons, “…We should be careful to define idolatry also. It is not just the worship of graven images, sticks and stones. It is these but much more. Anything can be idol. In America, most people’s idol is money, sex, entertainment or sports. Whatever you spend the most of time doing and thinking about, is your god”. True! Today, many people are preoccupied with acquiring all kinds of academic qualifications but have little or no delight in knowing their Creator. They worship garbage learning instead of God through Jesus! Academic logos and human wisdom are their greatest pursuit. But real learning does not come from certifications and award of academic degrees. Knowing Jesus is the key! The rests are offshoot. Do you really know Jesus? Is he the centre and the focus of your life? Judge yourself!

Richard Obeng Mensah, author of Persecutions are Promotions. borncapy@yahoo.com/www.richard-obeng-mensah.blogspot.com