In a previous column we focused on the bottom line or ultimate conclusion concerning some major Bible events or truths. We saw that the bottom line with regard to creation was found in the first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, where we are told that God is the One Who made it all. Then we observed the spiritual separation from God of His creation, mankind, because of the sin of disobedience. With this came the necessity of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ to dwell on the earth in human flesh where He would die for us providing our soul’s salvation and reconciliation to God the Father.

Let’s consider now the truth concerning education from the Bible. Education is defined as “imparting, acquiring or developing knowledge.” We all come into this world in need of education and we go to the Word of God for the bottom line on the subject. Proverbs 1:7 instructs us, “The fear of the Lord (reverential trust in God with hatred of evil) is the beginning of knowledge.” and the thought is continued in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.”

I read of one couple who took these Scriptures to heart and the first word they said to their newborn was, “Jesus.” Others have done the same thing and mothers have sung hymns and songs of praise to their babies before they were born as well as making effort to teach them of our Lord. This reminds me of a beautiful little girl in the church I was pastoring in Oklahoma. When she turned three, she had never spoken a word. Speech therapy had been unsuccessful. One Sunday morning, however, as I was preaching, I naturally spoke the name, “Jesus.” Immediately Shelbee said her first word, which she had heard me say many times before, “Jesus.” From there she was off and running with her speech.

An interesting verse and a favorite of mine is Jeremiah 9:24, “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me (God).” Jesus prayed in John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent.” The greatest education one can have is knowing God personally.

The Bible has much to say, too, about our occupation. Jesus, our supreme example, said in Luke 2:44, “I must be about My Father’s business.” He reminded us, also, in John 9:4, “The night cometh when no man can work.” He further admonished us in John 6:27, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you.”

It is told of Philip Armour of Armour Packing Company that, upon being introduced to a stranger who inquired as to what his business was, Mr. Armour replied, “My business is being a Christian. I sell meat on the side.” The bottom line when it comes to our occupation is recorded again in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things (necessities of life, etc.) shall be added unto you.”

Let’s hear next what the bottom line is when it comes to our consecration unto the Lord. In Ecclesiastes 12:13 we have the Word of the Lord penned by Solomon, King of Israel, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (mankind).” We read further in Micah 6:8, “He hath shewed (showed) thee, O man, what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” The bottom line is laid out once again for us in I Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.”

Finally, we come to our graduation. It is the desire of every child of God, by the grace of God, to finish our Christian journey well. May we be able to say with the Apostle Paul from II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” The bottom line is found in Verse 8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me at that day.” Glory!

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Randy Zinn is pastor of Russell Missionary Baptist Church, Russell, Ark., formerly of Okmulgee.