There was a time, not so long ago, that books constituted one of our main sources of knowledge and information. A book series that was popular in my pre-teens went under the general title of “Teach Yourself”. Books in the series included ‘Teach Yourself French’, ‘Teach Yourself Algebra’, ‘Teach Yourself to play the Piano”, and so on. For the princely sum of seven shillings and six pence (- approximately 40 Rappen) you were introduced to the rudiments of the subject. My own accrued pocket money went to the purchase of ‘Teach Yourself Cricket’, and I learnt many useful cricketing lessons. I learnt how to develop an appropriate strategy, encourage and enhance teamwork, learn the best techniques, play effectively in all circumstances including combating adversity, and to benefit from experience. These are all lessons that have their parallel in daily life.
The most notable lesson actually featured as the frontispiece of every book in the series. It was the inscription,
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser,” Proverbs 9 v9
The teaching embedded in this particular Proverb is echoed throughout Scripture. Christians, by God’s grace, are to seek the wisdom of God that is imparted to us by His Spirit. As Christians we are already wise in the ‘Wisdom of God’, and we are by learning from Him to become wiser. Our lifelong aim and activity is to
“ …. grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” II Peter 3 v18
It is by this on-going learning that we are to live to please Him and grow to be like Him.
This week we welcome back into our midst Jim and Anne after their time in the UK. Their commitment to the Lord and their service to the flock at IBCZ reflects their desire to please Him. Join us next Sunday for our morning worship service at 10:30.