Without a vision
"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but blessed is he who keeps the law". (Proverb 29:18 NIV)
Introduction
The first part of this proverb is often translated as, "Where there is no vision …”. The Amplified version of the Bible expands on this idea with the phrase "redemptive revelations". The Message version of the Bible puts it this way, "When people can't see what God is doing …”
The sense behind the words is that God is constantly revealing himself and his purposes to his people. However, we are not always aware of this. Through the blinding power of sin and the spiritual oppression of the evil one we may fail to discern God's revelation of himself. When this happens, "the people cast of restraint". This is also translated variously as "the people perish" or "the people dwell carelessly”. The Message says, "people get off the track".
"Revealing God" through education
Whether we work in a government school, Christian School or independent school we have the opportunity to be an agent through whom God reveals himself to people. I want to suggest today three specific ways in which this can happen based on Romans chapters 1 to 3. I call them the "three C”s”. They are,
a. Creation
"Ever since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20 NIV)
The teaching of key learning areas and specific subjects provides us with opportunities to highlight the wonder and order of God's creation. For example, mathematical formulae, learning pi to 100 decimal places.
Our purpose is not to honour the creation but to point our students to the one who created it. Diligent preparation, conscientious teaching and a personal enthusiasm for our subjects, and learning in general can all bear witness to our Creator.
b. Conscience
"(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." (Romans 2: 14-16 NIV)
The teaching of what is now popularly called “values education” is an opportunity to prophetically challenge the "dominant consciousness" of our society. Encouraging students to question the prevalent values of our culture is an important pre-evangelistic task. It is also an opportunity to stir the moral conscience that God has placed within each of us. This is the second means that God has provided to humanity by which to reveal himself.
c. Christ
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24 NIV)
God's ultimate revelation of himself comes in the person of Jesus Christ. Depending on our context we may have varying degrees of freedom when it comes to openly sharing our faith in Christ. But whatever our setting, we can offer some witness to his importance in our lives.
2. On track or in trouble?
The proverb goes on to spell out the implications of two alternative lifestyles. The first describes the absence of God's revelation. It is characterised by a lack of restraint, a loss of direction and ultimately destruction. The second lifestyle, is characterised by blessing which flows from obedience to God's laws.
The consequences of these two alternatives offer profound motivation to Christian teachers who want the best for their students.
When I survey students the top question I am asked is, "what is the meaning of life?" Students are looking for meaning and purpose in a world which is increasingly offering superficial and dissatisfying answers.
Unless the Christian Church and Christian people offer a thoughtful, substantial and credible response to their seeking after truth and meaning they will be seduced or disillusioned by lesser gods.
This requires both intellectual rigour and emotional engagement. Lowering the challenge or commitment required does not make it easier. It simply devalues the call of Jesus and brings it into contempt. It is my observation that students are moved to respond when they see integrity, compassion and commitment in those who proclaim Christ.
but blessed is he who keeps the law". (Proverb 29:18 NIV)
Introduction
The first part of this proverb is often translated as, "Where there is no vision …”. The Amplified version of the Bible expands on this idea with the phrase "redemptive revelations". The Message version of the Bible puts it this way, "When people can't see what God is doing …”
The sense behind the words is that God is constantly revealing himself and his purposes to his people. However, we are not always aware of this. Through the blinding power of sin and the spiritual oppression of the evil one we may fail to discern God's revelation of himself. When this happens, "the people cast of restraint". This is also translated variously as "the people perish" or "the people dwell carelessly”. The Message says, "people get off the track".
"Revealing God" through education
Whether we work in a government school, Christian School or independent school we have the opportunity to be an agent through whom God reveals himself to people. I want to suggest today three specific ways in which this can happen based on Romans chapters 1 to 3. I call them the "three C”s”. They are,
a. Creation
"Ever since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20 NIV)
The teaching of key learning areas and specific subjects provides us with opportunities to highlight the wonder and order of God's creation. For example, mathematical formulae, learning pi to 100 decimal places.
Our purpose is not to honour the creation but to point our students to the one who created it. Diligent preparation, conscientious teaching and a personal enthusiasm for our subjects, and learning in general can all bear witness to our Creator.
b. Conscience
"(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." (Romans 2: 14-16 NIV)
The teaching of what is now popularly called “values education” is an opportunity to prophetically challenge the "dominant consciousness" of our society. Encouraging students to question the prevalent values of our culture is an important pre-evangelistic task. It is also an opportunity to stir the moral conscience that God has placed within each of us. This is the second means that God has provided to humanity by which to reveal himself.
c. Christ
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24 NIV)
God's ultimate revelation of himself comes in the person of Jesus Christ. Depending on our context we may have varying degrees of freedom when it comes to openly sharing our faith in Christ. But whatever our setting, we can offer some witness to his importance in our lives.
2. On track or in trouble?
The proverb goes on to spell out the implications of two alternative lifestyles. The first describes the absence of God's revelation. It is characterised by a lack of restraint, a loss of direction and ultimately destruction. The second lifestyle, is characterised by blessing which flows from obedience to God's laws.
The consequences of these two alternatives offer profound motivation to Christian teachers who want the best for their students.
When I survey students the top question I am asked is, "what is the meaning of life?" Students are looking for meaning and purpose in a world which is increasingly offering superficial and dissatisfying answers.
Unless the Christian Church and Christian people offer a thoughtful, substantial and credible response to their seeking after truth and meaning they will be seduced or disillusioned by lesser gods.
This requires both intellectual rigour and emotional engagement. Lowering the challenge or commitment required does not make it easier. It simply devalues the call of Jesus and brings it into contempt. It is my observation that students are moved to respond when they see integrity, compassion and commitment in those who proclaim Christ.
Labels: education, revelation
posted by Peter Wilson at 3:35 PM
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