Still Learning

It is believed that Apelles of Kos, an ancient Greek painter who lived in the fourth century before Christ, was a well-respected artist who worked at the court of Philip II of Macedonia. Even though nothing is left of his work, not even the famous portrait of Alexander the Great, his influence was substantial. Today he is most remembered for his motto Not a single day without a line, for in spite of his substantial talent, he had a daily routine of drawing. He believed to get better, everyone, regardless of their talent, should keep practising the elemental principles of their art.

What an inspiring moto indeed – to discover something new every day, both in our field of expertise and in general matters, so that we can learn to live and be better. As this principle applies to our secular life, so it applies to our spiritual life. From the outset Solomon is adamant, spiritual wisdom should be pursued by the young, in other words mere babes in Christ, as well as those seasoned sages, experienced in the matters of God. I love how the Message modernizes Solomon’s motivation by calling Proverbs a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn —fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.[1]

The Bible has many examples of experienced men who remained life-long learners, willing and wise to allow another to speak into their lives as they pressed on to perfection.

• Upon Jethro’s instructions, Moses appointed seventy elders to act as Judges over the people.[2]
• Jesus had twelve apprentices He moulded and influenced.[3]
• Priscilla and Aquilla helped Apollos to teach “the way of God more accurately.”[4]

We referred to wisdom a few weeks ago as skillful living when we talked about those experts in every imaginable craft who have reached a certain level of competence that set them apart from their colleagues. This week we basically say the same thing, only that the challenge before us today is to stick to the basics, not neglecting the elementary principles of our faith. In other words, we are encouraged to make sure to …

Love God.

Love our neighbour as ourselves.

Forgive those who have wronged us.

Love our enemies.

Repent of our sins.

Not be hypocritical.

Not judge others.

Years ago, a godly leader encouraged me to read a chapter of proverbs a day. While it was an inspiring idea, I failed miserably. This is then the reason I am so thankful to each one of you who are pottering through Proverbs with me this year, pondering the insights, warnings and motivations as we press on to perfection ourselves.

OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:  Whether we have been a follower of Christ for many years or only a few years, may Apelles of Kos and his motto Not a single day without a line motivate us not to misplace the basics of our faith this week and thus continue to excel in wisdom.

[1] Proverbs 1: 4 – 6 MSG

[2] Exodus 18:17-26

[3] Matthew 13:11 – 16

[4] Acts 18:26