"Get Smart" #3

“Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

This quote opened Article 3 of The Northwest Ordinance of 1787. It was to provide the means by which new states would be created in the west (purposed to ensure basic liberties and to be the guiding policy for admission of future states into the U.S.). As you study the context and use of these words among our Founders, it quickly becomes clear that “Religion” meant Christianity, “Morality” meant Christian character, and “Knowledge” meant a Biblical worldview.

These words are found throughout our nation’s official documents, as well as on the lips of the leaders of that generation and the monuments honoring their era. Usually in quotes, they are referred to as “piety, civility and learning.” These 3 concepts are commonly said to be the 3 goals of early American education. All thinking, learning and education were for the express purpose and specific production of these essential attributes. They are included in the original translator’s dedication of the KJV Bible, and were consistently emphasized by our forefather’s as the “indispensible foundations or supports of our system of government” and life.

These 3 concepts are also seen prominently on the “National Monument to the Forefathers.” I first saw this memorial at Plymouth, Massachusetts while in the area for a friends wedding in the early 90’s. After much prayer and historical study, I was drawn to spend my free morning at this site with my Bible and notepad. It proved to be a defining moment in my own life as I experienced a revelation of God’s heart and mind. While interceding for our nation and generation, I sensed a conviction that the truths before me were a spiritual mandate being handed down to me…to us.

The central figure of the monument is Faith, which towers above 4 smaller seated figures at the base. Faith stands with 1 foot on Plymouth Rock, holding a Bible and pointing heavenward. This represents trust in God, His Providence and His unfailing words. The other four typify the Christian values of morality, law, education and liberty. Of these I was led to focus my attention on faith, morality and education. As I prayed and scribbled pages of notes, the following scriptures came to light: Proverbs 22:28 proclaims “Do not move the ancient boundary line your fathers have set.” Luke 1:1-2 says we’re “putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, by using reports handed down by original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives” (Message). 2Timothy 1:13-14 challenges us to “keep the pattern of sound words in the faith and love in Christ Jesus. And, guard the deposit (treasure) entrusted to you through the indwelling Holy Spirit.” God was speaking to me.

Fast forward 10+ years, and I’m stuck in another Atlanta traffic jam (check out my last plog). The presence of God grips my heart and stirs my mind, and I begin to reflect back on these previous experiences, making some startling connections. It becomes apparent to me that these were more than insights; they were life lessons and a life message. God was showing me what to learn and love, and what matters most.

Now that I know the shortcuts and back roads of Atlanta, I miss most of the traffic jams, and usually arrive at my destination before completing my thinking or learning. I now spend inordinate amounts of time in my driveway or parking lots finishing my thoughts or studies (audio books/sermon CD’s). Through it all, I’ve never forgotten the early lessons from Plymouth or Atlanta, and actually came to view them as the same truths. I believe they communicate clearly my calling and our great commandments. Look at the parallels I discovered between my traffic experiences and learning the key concepts and priorities involved in “loving God with all:”

Atlanta Traffic Options-Founding Fathers-The Bible (1Pet.1:5+)

1) Knowing maps & roadways -Religion/Piety -“Faith”

2) Overcome anger=grow Christlike -Morality/Civility -“Virtue”

3) Beneficial time invested in thinking+ -Education/Learning -“Knowledge”

These are suppose to be the reasons for and results of discipleship and education. What this means is that we are called to #1 Love God with all our heart =Faith, #2 Love God with all our soul =character (the fruit of the Spirit)…loving people, and #3 Love God with all our minds =loving truth. (We love with our strength through work, service, witness and ministry.) May we all learn this way of love as a way of life.