Tuesday Brief
General Superintendent Max Edwards & Judy
June 2, 2026 We Must Never Stop Learning Now that schools have let out for the summer and students are on break, I’ve been thinking about the idea of 'finishing.' It makes me wonder—do we ever truly graduate from learning, or is it a lifelong pursuit? And what should a follower of Christ think about continuing education? There really should be no question as to what the Scriptures have to say about being a lifelong learner! Joshua 1:8: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.” Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Proverbs 9:9: “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will add to his learning.” 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
That last admonition, written by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, is particularly telling. In the closing words of that same letter, Paul asked him to “… be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also, bring my books, and especially my papers.” Paul was in prison at the time, knowing that his life was probably nearing its end, and yet he yearned for his books. This has always impressed upon me the need for an inquisitive mind – a hunger for truth. As vocational clergy, we’re called to keep our minds sharp. Think about the professionals who care for us—EMTs, teachers, and doctors—they never stop learning because the stakes are so high. If they are committed to constant growth, shouldn't those of us caring for people’s spiritual lives be even more driven? I certainly believe so! Some might object that continuing education is expensive and time-consuming. The truth is this - it should be costly. Anything worthwhile will be. And the alternative is not very pleasant, because as one person said, “If you think that education is expensive, try ignorance!” We cannot afford to be ignorant in this quickly changing world. A comment offered by the writer of 1 Chronicles is telling, regarding those of the Israeli tribe of Issachar: “All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” Wouldn’t it be great if such a thing could be said of us?