By Steven Norris
This week, my son will graduate from high school and start the next chapter of his life as a university student. If I had a chance to address his class, I might offer the following advice.
The year was 1090. In the Burgundy region of France, a young boy was born to a noble family in the castle of Fontaines. Though his brothers were trained as soldiers, Bernard seemed to be destined for scholarship. He excelled in school and was sent to college at a rather early age.
At the age of 22, Bernard discerned that God was calling him to a monastic life and he joined the order of the Cistercians, a very strict order of monks. After only 3 years, Bernard became the head of the Cistercian monastery at Clairvaux. Bernard became arguably the most influential figure of the church in the 12th Century. He was quoted as saying the following regarding education:
“Some seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is curiosity. Others seek knowledge so that they themselves may be known; that is vanity. But there are still others who seek knowledge in order to serve and edify others; and that is [love].”
Curiosity is a good thing — a little monkey named George taught me that when I was growing up. We should long for a deeper knowledge of God and our world. The moment we become satisfied that we’ve learned enough, we stop growing. The moment we stop growing, we start dying — physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
Achievement is a good thing — a doctor with the last name of Suess taught me that. “O the places you’ll go,” he said. Deep down, we all have a desire to do and succeed in life. We all want the recognition, the pat on the back, the awards, and the accolades — whether it be academics, sports, music, art, or dance. However, scripture warns us: achievement can easily go to our heads and lead to arrogance. As the scripture says, “knowledge puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).
Why has God entrusted us with the knowledge we have? With institutions of education? With parents and teachers who invest in us? Why has God given us blessing upon blessing? Is it so that we can sit around and marinate in it, soaking up all the goodness God has to offer only for ourselves? No. God has entrusted to you this education — this gift — in order that you may use it to serve others. Education is about much more than an accumulation of knowledge. It is ultimately about formation in love.
The first epistle of John reads, “Let us not love in word or talk, but in action and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Knowing the right thing is not the same as living the right thing. My prayer for all our graduates is this: May you never stop growing and learning. May your knowledge bring you to a place of deep humility. May your humility lead you to service — serving God and serving others. May you continue to grow daily in intelligence and character.
Congratulations.