How confident are you in discerning someone’s educational background by their manner of speech and topics of conversation? Yet you have encountered people with academic credentials who are dull and narrow-minded, and also those without credentials who have put forth the effort to inform themselves and maintain an attitude of engagement and inquisitive curiosity. The learned men of the day marveled at my disciples who proclaimed my Kingdom with eloquent boldness, because they were unlearned men, and they took note that they had been with me. Education is more readily available now than it was then, but my presence is available to all, and will give you transformative insights that no school can offer.

What is the greatest commandment? Isn’t it to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Is it possible to do all these things at once? Do you find that most people have greater ability in one area than another, such as a greater emphasis on head or heart? Do you expect to find intellectual rigor and intense warmth in the same person? Yet this commandment implies that it is possible. Do you see yourself as stronger in one of these areas than the other? They are all valuable, and can work together in balance in my transformative work in your life. Be open to my leading you in this direction.

Do you find it hard to forgive those who sin in different ways than you do? The theological view of sin is that any of any type is too much, but do you see so much going on around you that you pick and choose and create a hierarchy? Some people are bound in habits and addictions that hold no appeal for others. Count yourself fortunate if you are one of the latter, but do you have other issues of your own? Consider the prayer that I used as a bad example, of the man who prayed thus with himself, that he was not a sinner like other men. Look at those who sin in different ways than you do and think of things you have in common.

Did you enjoy the tests you took in school? Even if you are no longer in school can you see that the concept of tests still applies to your life? Christians often refer to them as trials. Is this something you fear and dread, and avoid when you can, as an examination that you never seem to pass? Yet good students and teachers alike know that tests are not just an examination to find out what you know, but a learning experience in themselves. In like manner mature Christians know that their tests are not just to find out what they are made of, but to change and improve it. Even if you feel you are not passing your tests they are equipping you to pass future tests.