And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. (Deuteronomy 5:1)
In a day when more people are going to school than ever before in history, it is important to learn the best subjects. "Learn not the way of the heathen" is God’s command (Jeremiah 10:2).
Most important of all is to learn the Word of God, as our text states; and then to obey it, once we have learned it. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Obedience to what we learn in Scripture, of course, means learning many other things from the Scriptures.
"Learn to do well" is one example (Isaiah 1:17), and "learn to maintain good works" (Titus 3:14) is another. These do not come naturally, so they must be learned!
Perhaps even more difficult, but still vitally important, is the lesson Paul had to learn. "I have learned," he said, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Even Christ, the incarnate Creator, had lessons that could only be learned by becoming man. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). And we, in turn must learn from Him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," He said (that is, "learn from me"), "and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
The very first mention of learning in the Bible, however, is vitally important. "I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children" (Deuteronomy 4:10).
Adapted from Dr. Morris’ article "True Learning" in the winter 2008 Days of Praise.
* Dr. Morris (1918-2006) was Founder of the Institute for Creation Research.
Cite this article: Morris, H. 2011. True Learning. Acts & Facts. 40 (8): 22.
