Concerns about power, prosperity, and truth swirl around the concept of graduation. In this season the prospect of prosperity can lead to unabashed giddiness. It is caused by graduation gifts in the short term and anticipation over time that their education will lead to good paying jobs that result in the ability to buy the things and enjoy the experiences they set their hearts upon.
And then comes power. Many dream their education equips them to gain power. They long for the power to create and the power to resource their creations. It is understood that power leads to directing others, which leads to more power when done well. More power leads to more prosperity. Elation ensues.
The truth is, knowledge is power, but it is not always a precursor to financial prosperity. Nikola Tesla was the world-famous inventor of alternating current, radio, wireless technology, neon lamps, and X-rays. Sadly, Tesla's conflict with Thomas Edison left him $50,000 poorer. Guglielmo Marconi, stole the credit for the invention of the radio by using 17 of Tesla's patents. Tesla died penniless in 1943 in the New Yorker Hotel.
Knowledge can cause a person to choose a world-changing path that costs time, energy, even health without financial recompense. Hudson Taylor's pioneering missionary work in China is one such example. He wrote, "China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women ... The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, (and) souls first and foremost in everything and at every time -- even life itself must be secondary." Action supported his words despite Taylor's poor health and bouts with depression. In 1900 it became too much, and he had complete physical and mental breakdown. The personal cost of Taylor's vision was high on his family as well: his wife Maria died at age 33, and four of their eight children died before they reached the age of 10.
Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone's knowledge of it. Gravity existed prior to Sir Isaac Newton's discovery. Truth is transcultural; if something is true, it is true for all people, in all places, at all times. Two plus two equals four whether you live in North America or the Middle East for everyone, all the time. Truth is unchanging even though our beliefs about truth change. For example, when we began to believe the earth was round instead of flat, the truth about the earth didn't change, only our belief about the earth changed wrote Norman Geisler and Frank Turek.
God is truth. He created the earth and gives "life to those who walk on it." When a person exchanges "the truth of God for a lie," they walk away from God. God honors their choice and gives them up to dishonorable thoughts, passions, and actions. It is not enough to recognize His words contain knowledge. They "are plain to anyone with understanding."
Never graduate from studying the Bible, which can make you wise. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The wise recognize nothing else compares in value to them. Consequently, John Wesley said, "God himself has condescended to teach me the way. For this very end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me."
-- Dr. Randy Rowlan is pastor of First United Methodist Church. Comments are welcomed at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Religion on 05/18/2016