Learning in the DNA -celebrating a graduation!

Tomorrow I will be graduating having completed a 5 years masters degree in applied theology. It didn’t need to be 5 years but fitting studies in with work proved to be difficult! All my close family will be there, but is it worth celebrating? Do people need such degrees and isn’t there a danger we become proud of our own achievements which are not even possible for the vast majority of the world?  One of my sons didn’t want to come, what’s the point Dad –lots of travelling, photos and all that –what do I get out of it? I thank God for the studies I was able to do, they were part of loving God with all my mind. They were also the right thing to do, they kept me sane and working when church life went pear shaped.  They also helped me understand what God is doing in His world at the moment.  I read excellent books and articles I never would have read otherwise. I really got into mentoring as a result of my studies and started doing it formally and intentionally and learning from those who went before me. Since doing these studies I have taught and preached on the importance of discipling others. In short, though my studies were hard, though I couldn’t focus on them fully and got some low marks I was able to reflect on my leadership and get the input I needed from others. I don’t believe in academic work for the sake of a piece of paper but I do passionately believe in following Jesus. The word disciple means learner and I have been doing some learning. It was seriously hard but God gave me all I needed to achieve the goal. Yes it’s worth celebrating, it continues to bear fruit in my life, I was challenged, encouraged and spurred on by my studies.  Are further studies right for everyone? No, not formal studies but we should never stop learning, learning should be in the DNA of every disciple.

Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity and the capacity to learn more about you and your mission in the world.