And We Never Stop Learning as Long as We’re Alive
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Lisa used algebra as an example of learning. Really, algebra…
I never was a fan of algebra. I could never understand why it was necessary to mix the alphabet in with math. People that like algebra naturally get it. Not me. I just don’t get this.
Algebra is the branch of mathematics that studies certain abstract systems, known as algebraic structures, and the manipulation of statements within those systems. It is a generalization of arithmetic that introduces variables and algebraic operations other than the standard arithmetic operations such as addition and multiplication.
This makes my head hurt.
Pastor Lisa’s point was that algebra is a mathematical example of looking for and finding an answer to a problem. Now that I understand.
Why can’t it be as simple as using a box or a blank for the unknown piece of the puzzle? Why does it have to be a letter?
Like in this example:
We need to find the number in this box. And what number, when added to 10, gives us 13?
Simple, it’s three; we can see that 3 plus 10 equals 13. The puzzle here only contains numbers.
Okay…enough about algebra.
The real message here is about learning.
Learning is acquiring wisdom. And the Proverbs are full of acquiring and sharing wisdom. In Proverbs 1:1-7, we are told how the Proverbs can be used to learn.
Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand things with deep meanings. You will learn what is right and honest and fair. From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense.
The Proverbs are not promises. They are a probability.
We can go through life ignoring the opportunities to learn. Or we can soak up every lesson, both good and bad, and build better lives. It’s up to us.
We shouldn’t just take things at face value. We should scratch and think and ponder, trying to find the right answers to the right questions.
It’s how we were made. We were made to learn.
Now go and learn!
