HAVE I BEEN EDUCATED?
by Carolyn Caines

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with
perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the
Designer of all language .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning
logic, but have not been instructed in God's wisdom... I HAVE NOT BEEN
EDUCATED.

If I read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with
keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books -- the Bible
-- and have no knowledge of its personal importance... I HAVE NOT BEEN
EDUCATED.

If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical
formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart
... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity,
but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who
orders our universe ...I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can
write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been
introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, ...I HAVE NOT BEEN
EDUCATED.

If I can recite the Gettyburg Address and the Preamble to the
Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the
history of our country ... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can
write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen
to the Director of the universe and worship Him, ... I HAVE NOT BEEN
EDUCATED.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 push-ups
without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do
God's will, ... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even
paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony
and beauty comes from a relationship with God, ... I HAVE NOT BEEN
EDUCATED.

If I were to graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best
university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a
career (that honors God), ... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for
what is moral and right, but have not been told of (or believe) the
sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ,... I HAVE NOT
BEEN EDUCATED.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know
Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling His
purpose for me, THEN I HAVE BEEN EDUCATED!

Lord, help me to truly educate my children!  Even more, help me to desire true education for myself!