Appendix 3 of A Missionary’s Love Story.
Joyce Golsworthy was a school teacher by profession and so she likened some important things in the life of a Christian to school life. This is what she wrote:
The Christian life can be likened to ‘going to school’. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me” (Matt. 11:29). The original word for ‘disciple’ always signified someone who is learning, and that is something every Christian has to do. Let us suggest a few points relative to the school of Christ.
1. When do we enrol? School commences as soon as we are saved. The Lord’s invitation to “learn of Him” follows on immediately from the gospel invitation to come to Him for salvation (Matt. 11:28, 29).There is no waiting period.
2. Where is the school located? We read that Mary sat “At Jesus’ feet and heard his word”(Luke 10:39). That, no doubt is where God’s school is located. It is the normal place for a ‘disciple’ or a ‘learner’; somewhere where quietness prevails, and concentration is possible. All who would be pupils in God’s schools need to come to the same place and to stay there—giving undivided attention to all the Lord would say.
3. At what hour do classes commence? The Psalmist said “Early will I seek Thee” (Psalm 63:1) and the promise of God is, “I love that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me” (Prov. 8:17). It is a fact that sleepy eyes and sleepy heads have very few prospects in God’s school. The Lord Jesus is our perfect example. He rose up “a great while before day” and went forth to a quiet place for fellowship with His Father (Mark 1:35).
4. What is the planned curriculum? The course of study is very wide, and very comprehensive. It is in fact all embracing and even to make a start is no small undertaking. Christ said that it was His plan to teach us all things (John 14:26).
5. Who is the principal? The blessed Holy Spirit has been appointed to this important office, and what an untiring and understanding Principal He is! We read that “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
6. Who are the other teachers? There is certainly a great variety! There are those gifted servants of the Lord who labour in the church as mentioned in Eph. 4:11, 12. What a debt we owe to them. And who would question that Godly parents can also be among our best spiritual teachers—especially in the early years—when we can learn so much from their example (2 Tim. 1:5). And are not our own life’s experiences among our greatest teachers?
7. How long is the course? It is a long one. Even the aged apostle Paul confessed at the end of his life that he had not attained, and was only following after (Phil. 3:12). Perhaps, after all, this world is only our ‘primary school’, and the ‘secondary school’ is yet to follow.
8. What is the diploma therein offered? The lovely word in Matt. 25: 21-23 is: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Could anything be more rewarding than that?