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In spite of multiple filters I still get that unsolicited, bulk form of email we all despise. I just received one that offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees, a PhD/Doctorate and MBA that all claim to be valid and certified with transcripts! It's quite a deal particularly with this amazing detail. "There is absolutely no class time, and no studying. After calling our administration office we can ship your degree with transcripts to your doorstep within 1 week."
Well, this was a deal I just couldn't pass up and I went for all of them! Now I insist on being called 'Doctor" and in some of my business associations it will be great to point out that I have an MBA. JUST KIDDING!
Amazingly though there are people who don't have the sense and discernment to realize this type of stuff is nonsense. Since these types of "degrees" are common and proliferating I just use an extra degree of my native Missourian "show me" when I hear of these claims. *
We have a program in our church called "Bible Quiz" with a very dedicated "coach" who leads our youth in the study and memorization of God's Word. Our daughter, Ester, has been on the "team" for several years. It is a program that has long-lasting impact that I had in previous churches I pastored. To this day I stay in contact with many of those who were in it (In November I participated in a wedding for one of them). What a blessing to see them staying faithful to the Lord!
Study is an ongoing part of life for the growing Christian. It's not merely while we are young or perhaps while preparing for ministry, but it should be a lifelong pursuit. I am blessed by a request in what is likely the very last letter that Paul wrote. As he recognized the time of his departure (death) was near he wrote to Timothy. "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." He wanted to study right up to the end!
The daily text provides a great example for all of us. "For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD." The NASV translates this, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it." That should be said of all of us. Among characteristics I want others to observe in my life is, "Stephen has devoted himself to the study and observance of the Scriptures." (Now having the entire Bible I would believe it proper now to expand the "law of the Lord" to mean the Scriptures.)
"No studying" may sound appealing but real growth takes place as we study and observe and put into practice the truths of God's Word. Let us resolve that we will keep studying!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne left early this morning to attend a prayer group called "Moms In Touch", a group of mothers praying for their school aged children.
* I don't want to cause undue suspicions in making this point since there are certainly legitimate non-medical doctorates. The very first recipients of this encouragement series, whom I expect to visit with later this month, both have earned "PhD's" from Princeton in science fields and having been their pastor for several years I can certainly vouch for how smart and studied they are! However more and more of my ministry peers claim to have doctorates and in many cases I seriously question the legitimacy of these claims. For years I have received offers like this whether by mail order or internet. In fact way back in the eighties I actually got a letter addressed to my dog (now deceased) offering a doctorate for $25.00!
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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