If we are paying attention to the increasing changes in our world and communities, we are gaining knowledge but not necessarily applied wisdom. Knowledge is good but its application is wisdom.
Knowledge is simply knowing something. We know we should not steal from others, and yet we steal time from our employer or loved ones in the pursuit of self-indulgences. We have therefore not engaged ourselves in the application of knowledge.
Wisdom is gained by properly applying our acquired knowledge in everyday life. We can know something but not apply it. This leaves us in the darkness and thus we fail to judge what is true or right and hence do not come into the light.
Present reality
The #pandemic has shuttered schools and myriad institutions of higher learning. In my mind, this is both a good and bad thing at the same time. It is good in the sense that Marxist indoctrination has taken a huge hit, which is to say that many students no longer have to regurgitate what their instructors want them to say without critical thought.
In is also bad, in that various schools of learning are not as functional as they once were. Schools where critical thinking is required, as opposed to indoctrination, have been shuttered.
But the good news is that online learning is available for free for those who seek it. I am not referring to a worldly education but rather a source of godly education.
Read.cash
Most people on read.cash are here to write, read and in the process earn some #BCH. However, the majority of people here make daily choices with respect to what to read, and based on the number of posts or articles I have observed over the course of the past six months, these choices typically fall along the lines of entertainment and drama.
None of the above-mentioned are edifying. Instead, they drive one away from knowledge, wisdom and thus deeper into darkness where the light does not shine. This works to the disadvantage of people and imperils and impedes the soul and spirit. Unfortunately, we live in a world where entertainment temporarily soothes our cravings but, like alcohol or drugs, keeps us coming back for more.
Solutions
There are always opportunities to solve all of our problems if we diligently seek to do so, and as a result come out of the darkness and into the light.
What is light?
"But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God" (John 3:21, NIV).
"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness" (Luke 11:34, NIV).
And finally, "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, NIV).
Free Christian education
Yes, I said free, as in no strings attached. With the link below you can learn to come out of the darkness and into the light with free Christian education. You may study alone or in groups you choose to join, or even create your own small group consisting of friends or family. You may use your smartphone or laptop. It's a valuable resource! Best of all, you may work at your own pace.
The classes offered below are all online and consist of audio lectures by some of the best Christian scholars available. Additionally, books and notes and other material are free of charge to download. And why shouldn't it be? The teachings of Jesus were free and available to all who would lend an ear.
When browsing the website, be sure to enroll in classes that fit your level of present knowledge of God's word. Most of you, but certainly not all, would benefit from a beginner's curriculum. This takes you through multiple hours of the basic principles of faith and what it means to be a Christian. Not only will you gain knowledge but also heaps of wisdom when you learn how to apply the knowledge in your life.
For those who more advanced in the Christian faith, there are intermediate and seminary level courses. These classes are steeped in interpretation, knowledge and the application of knowledge. They will cause you to think critically and expose you to theology, interpretation, Christology, apologetics, Christian history, hermeneutics and more. Truly, they are not designed for those who are unwilling to delve deeper into critical thought.
Finally, there are classes that you may pay for, if you choose, and as a consequence earn actual degrees. Any of the free and paid courses are able to prepare you for future ministry. Here is the link, and I hope you will take advantage of it.
https://www.biblicaltraining.org/enroll-in-a-class
I sincerely pray that you will come out of the darkness and into the glorious light of God's everlasting word.
I agree, most people are unaware that we must use this pandemic to better ourselves. It is a time to reflect on our actions and behavior. We should change and throw away our bad habits. It's not easy to do but we must do what we can before it's too late.