Over the past few decades, our educational system has taken a left turn and seems to have lost its direction in teaching our kids fundamental principles that properly ground them as they prepare to survive and hopefully thrive in society.
I was fortunate to have spent my youth in the Texas public school system where fundamental courses were taught to all the students. Yes, we had a few electives, but my mom made sure I took all the reading, writing and arithmetic I could possibly muster into my three years of high school education.
Revisiting the three Rs can build a strong foundation for our youth and for our country.
We would all be wise to concentrate on fundamental foundations in life since it’s wise to continually keep learning as we go through this earthly journey. We are all here for a distinct purpose and each life has real meaning.
Unfortunately, many these days have no concept of these fundamental foundations. Yes, there was a time in my life when I worked diligently, played hard and did what seemed right in my own eyes. I selfishly existed for what I could obtain at the expense of others. That’s not how God wants us to live on this planet.
Here in the United States of America, our forefathers created the Declaration of Independence to guide us in living our lives in this democratic republic in a way that would be pleasing and honoring to God.
We’ve been entrusted with the same wonderful “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” opportunity afforded all whom have gone before us have held so dearly. We must hold onto it dearly as well.
If you are not aware, the foundational principles found in our originating documents come from God’s Word. These were not thoughts that came out of thin air. These men lived those principles from their earliest days of biblical instruction.
The Book of Proverbs is filled with fundamental foundations to prepare us for life’s challenges. Proverbial sayings are common in all nations and the Jewish nation cherished the multitude of pithy sayings setting forth certain truths designed to help keep them on the path of righteousness.
Most of the proverbs found in the Bible were penned by King Solomon. In 1 Kings 4:32, we are told, “He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.” This is all attributed to the wisdom of God being transferred into King Solomon’s literary prowess.
I’ve got some good news to share. The wisdom found in Proverbs and the other 65 books of God’s Word is available to all who believe in the Son of God. All you must do is simply place your total trust in Christ.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re instructed, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
If you truly trust in the Lord, you’ll place Him first in your life and not allow the ways of the world to affect your understanding.
If you really want to have the faith of your forefathers, you need to realize that God has given us an instruction manual that He wants us to study and absorb. As a lifelong learner, I cherish the time I spend in God’s instruction manual. I continually find answers to life’s questions and the uncertainties we all face on a daily basis.
There’s a lot of material out there that can divert your attention from the true source of wisdom. Let me recommend you seek the wisdom that molded the minds of our forefathers and this great nation.
If more people in this world would seek answers from The Truth found in God’s Word and place their total trust in Jesus, this world would be quite different. Yet we know that many will continue to turn away from The Truth as The Day of the Lord approaches.
Yes, Jesus’ return is imminent, and I need to stress the importance of taking a leap of faith before it’s too late. Let Him become the Rock of your salvation.
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.