Functional LiteracyBy Vernette Kureck
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 2:2 (NIV)
Whether it be kindergarten or college, September is the month
that everyone thinks about school. It’s important to have all the right
supplies and books, so that the learning will be purposeful and
successful. Obtaining functional
literacy is necessary in order to adequately accomplish all the needed skills
for prosperous daily living. And there is usually a general understanding of
the best way to progress through this process. Each year’s learning continues
to build on the previous; as the body of knowledge increases, the wisdom of how
to use and live out that knowledge hopefully grows also.
In the verse above, Paul is writing to the church because he is
concerned with its “functional literacy.”
False teachers had cropped up into the congregation, and they were
leading the people astray. The spreading influence of these teachers was
threatening the church by devaluing Jesus. Paul’s goal was to reinforce their
identity in Christ, and to bring them back to their foundation…Jesus. Jesus Christ
is the right supplier of knowledge and true understanding. Jesus is the Word -
- God incarnate. [1]
Paul continues to teach them the truth in order to build them
up, so that they will grow in wisdom and unravel the mystery of Jesus.
I have found the mystery of God is inexhaustible. The more I know;
the more I want to know. The more I know Jesus, the fuller my spiritual
treasure box is.
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than
choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire
can compare with her” (Proverbs 8:10-11).
As believers, we all need to be encouraged in heart and united
in love. So this fall, I am again intentionally studying God’s Word, always
building on the foundation of Him, growing my spiritual “functional
literacy”…always enjoying the mystery of Him. How about you?
GOING DEEPER:
1. How is your fall
going? Contact Oakwood if you need to plug into a small group Bible study to
help fill your spiritual treasure box.
2. Are you able to
recognize false teachers?
FURTHER READING:
Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 49 years. They
have been blessed with eight grandchildren from their two sons and their wives.
She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and with Family Promise.
[1]
John1:14
