Years ago I had a friend who was a precocious young lady. Reaching the age we all have longed to reach of 5 years old, she embarked on her new endeavor of formal education. After just the first day of Kindergarten she came home and excitedly announced to her mother, “Mother, Kindergarten has changed my life!” While this reaction is not every student’s response, many have felt that after “getting the hang” of Kindergarten they have got this education thing down. They are now ready to get on with life. As a matter of fact there was a book written years ago by Robert Fulghum entitled, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten.” I have not read the book. I don’t know if he is a believer in Jesus, but when you read the title you can see he has got a good point.

Many of the lessons we learn in Kindergarten revolve around the correct way to treat others. Now while there is an ever-so-slight impulse to bring up certain national politicians, I will not go there. Nonetheless, a return to common social etiquette at the Kindergarten level would serve many older people extremely well. For example, the rule that one person speaks at a time comes to mind. In Kindergarten we also learn manners and personal hygiene. There is the all too familiar mantra, “Hands, feet, and objects to yourself.” We learn how to take care of our own problems. We also learn when we need to ask for help. Learning to take turns and being able to celebrate when someone else experiences success are all takeaways from the first year of elementary school. And when you look at living life on this earth, knowing how and being willing to treat others well is one of the main lessons that helps one live a meaningful life filled with social contributions.

The Bible gives us many passages that share the value of simple, profound truths and refers to them as wisdom. This perspective is explained to us in I Corinthians 3:18-19 , “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.” Much of the wisdom that we read about in the Bible begs people to not rely on their own understanding of the situation but to trust in God’s plan. Proverbs 3:5-8 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” The call is not to figure everything out, rather trust in the one who has everything under control.

So when are we supposed to listen to those in authority over us, our parents, teachers, counselors, and when are we to listen to God? Well, this is a little more challenging because we are called to test and study what we are being taught to see that it is inline with God and the truth of His Word. Colossians 2:8-9 instructs us to, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” We are to realize that there are many who speak contrary to Jesus Christ and His Word. We are given the task of guarding our hearts and minds so that they are not “taken captive” with evil principles or philosophies. The expectation is being so clear and familiar with God’s Word so as to recognize when someone is saying something contrary to the Bible. How can we recognize this unless we are in continuous study and memorization of God’s Word? If there is one thing that Kindergarteners do very well, it is memorize things. I am continually amazed at how quickly and completely young children can memorize. Parents should take advantage of this time in life and help our young ones hide God’s Word in their hearts ( Psalm 119:11 ). Make it fun, a family challenge with a reward when the family learns the passage together.

I have found that Job 28 is a wonderful chapter for finding wisdom. Job, through all of his trials in life found the value of wisdom as well as the source of wisdom. He concludes the chapter with verse 28, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” So, is it hard to understand that there is one who is in control and is in charge of everything? No, that is not hard to understand. This is something every Kindergartener will be able to grasp. What is hard is to submit to the one who is in control. We want things to be our way! This is a non-discriminatory reality. It is the same for Kindergarteners, their teachers, their parents, and their grandparents. The concept is easy. It is the acceptance of and obedience to this truth that is difficult. Let us remember the lessons we learned back in Kindergarten. There is one person who is really in command. It is not you!