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Educated or Enlightened?

Jesus said, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."¹

Epictetus, who lived from A.D. 55 to about A.D. 135, said, "Only the educated are 'liberated'."

Admittedly, there is truth in what Epictetus said. For one thing, dictators don't want the people under them to be educated. Dictators control people through ignorance and fear. If the people were educated, and especially if they were enlightened, there would be greatly increased rebellion. This is one reason why it is important that people everywhere are educated—or at least enlightened.

Why enlightened? Because there are millions of educated fools and highly educated criminals, but one would hardly call these people enlightened. These people are "en-darkened." As Jesus said, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."

Education, as important as it is, in and of itself does not give one wisdom, understanding, moral character, or make one enlightened.

In God's Word darkness is symbolic of evil while light is symbolic of truth. To be enlightened, we need to "walk in the light;" that is walk in truth, openness and honesty. For only the truth liberates people. As Jesus also said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you at liberty."²

So the question is, are you/we enlightened?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you again for your Word that teaches me how to become enlightened. Help me always to walk in the light and become not only enlightened, but also find true freedom. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 3:19-20 (NIV).
2. John 8:31-32 (NIV).

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