No one would seriously question the need for a basic education for children, but the question often arises as to how much education is necessary today. In western countries, most children automatically go on to “high school” and graduate at age seventeen to nineteen. Should they then automatically go on to so-called “higher education”? It is not an easy question to answer.
On the one hand, the world has become far more complicated than it was, say, fifty years ago, and many jobs have become far more sophisticated. While a high school education is sufficient for a few jobs, many now require more specialized training. This can sometimes be obtained by special courses while “on the job,” but many companies now look for university training even at the entry level. Certain professions such as engineering and medicine always require a university education. On the other hand, there are many “hands on” jobs, where the education can be obtained largely by apprenticeship, and there are still positions that offer “on the job” training.
The Tenor of His Way
In connection with all this, there is a good verse in Proverbs 22:66Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6), which reads, “Train up a child according to the tenor of his way” (JND). This involves recognizing that every child is unique, including his or her aptitude for a particular type of work. Some children are academically inclined, while others are bent more toward manual work. Some have ability in mathematics, while others are more skilled in humanities subjects. It is important to recognize in a child “the tenor of his way” and to allow him or her to pursue a career in keeping with this. Of course, we must always remember that Scripture tells us, “Let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (1 Cor. 7:24). There are some occupations for which a believer may well be fitted naturally, but in which he would necessarily dishonor the Lord. We must always avoid this and pursue that in which we can honor Him.
A Means to an End
We must also keep in mind that everything in this world, including education, is a means to an end, and not an end in itself. Believers are to “use the world, as not disposing of it as their own” (1 Cor. 7:31 JND). Our purpose here is to seek Christ’s interests and to live for His glory, until He calls us home. Our choice of a career should be with the express purpose of helping us to this end, rather than seeking to advance ourselves in this world. Our career should not be our life; rather, we should be able to say like Paul, “For to me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:2121For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)). If we seek to follow the Lord, we can be assured that He will direct us to a job according to the tenor of our way and one in which we can also honor Him.
After finishing high school, some young people are very uncertain of what the Lord would have them do. As a result, some are going on to university without any definite purpose, except to get more education. While each must make his or her own decision before the Lord, it is better to have a more definite purpose, as it is well-known that the teaching and general atmosphere in most universities is becoming more and more anti-Christian. Those who are undecided are more easily influenced by these things.
What We Face
In the education world, man’s mind is given priority over divine revelation, and human reasoning presumes to try and deal with things that are beyond it. As the knowledge of God is willfully given up, we find Romans 1:2222Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:22) to be very true: “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” The same chapter reminds us that the giving up of God also leads to moral corruption, as God allows man to see the end result of his course of rebellion.
When a young believer is placed in this setting, he or she must have a thorough grounding in the Word of God and be much in dependence on the Lord, so as not to be stumbled. More than one dear believer has listened to the arguments of infidel professors (and other students) and begun to question the veracity of God’s Word. More than one has succumbed to the peer pressure and ridicule of ungodly people and given up his faith, at least outwardly. Others have given in to temptation and seriously dishonored the Lord in a moral way. Frequently it is necessary to leave home in order to attend a particular university, and this imposes an added responsibility on a young person, as the godly influence of a Christian home may no longer be available to them. In such situations, the presence of an assembly in the area is a great mercy of the Lord, and the regular attendance at meetings is a great safeguard against many difficulties. Also, the godly pastoral care of others in the assembly is a further protection.
In this connection, a word to older ones in the local assembly may be in order. If students leave home to come and study in your area, it means much to them if you invite them to your home, especially on a Lord’s Day. I have been in that situation, and I can say from experience how much it meant when families invited me to have dinner with them and to enjoy their love and hospitality. It is lonely being a Christian away from home, and Christian fellowship goes a long way in alleviating this.
Priorities Tested
Most university courses entail a heavy workload. In order to keep good grades, some may feel it necessary to skip the weeknight assembly meetings, and also use a good portion of the Lord’s Day to study. While we are not under law, we can scarcely be “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:1010I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, (Revelation 1:10)) if we are largely occupied with secular things. It is distressing to see young people (who could be much used of the Lord) spending much of the Lord’s Day studying, instead of helping with such outreaches as Sunday school and gospel work.
For these reasons, young people should be much before the Lord in undertaking higher education and should not do so lightly, especially if it involves moving away from home. More than this, deliberately removing one’s self from the ability to attend a local assembly exposes one to further temptation. Surely the Lord is able to keep us wherever we are, and we cannot lay down rules, but if the Lord is before us, He will surely lead us in a path where we can honor Him while getting our education.
Some may argue that many of the same temptations present in a university life are present in other career settings and are not unique to institutions of higher learning. This is true, and at no time can we let down our guard in this world, for Satan is active everywhere. However, the emphasis on man’s mind and reasoning powers make the university a special hotbed of infidelity, and the danger is proportionately higher.
In these last days, it is comforting to know that the Lord is able to give us a clean path through this world, in spite of the potential pitfalls. He has told us, “Occupy till I come,” and this includes using our abilities for His glory. If we are found seeking “first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” we will surely find that “all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:3333But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)).
W. J. Prost