Neighbor Groups: Elevate EducationSample

Unique Experiences on Purpose

Imagine you and a friend experienced an identical education. Every subject. Every teacher. Every assignment. You went to every class with this person until you both completed your formal education.

Even if this were the case, the perspective and understanding you gained would be unique to you. You would experience, understand, and apply what you learned differently than your classmate. And that’s not accidental. God wants to use you and all the things that make you unique—including your education—to glorify Him and serve others.

We see this in Daniel and his friends. They went through training in Babylon with other men with similar backgrounds, educations, and giftings. Yet when the time came for the Babylonian king to select men for his service, it was Daniel and his three friends who stood out to him. 

In fact, when the king consulted these men, he found that they were 10 times more capable than the magicians and enchanters the king typically relied on for advice and wisdom. 

Maybe you’ve had many years of formal schooling and have multiple degrees. Or maybe you attended only a few years of school, but you were trained in a particular craft or skill that you’re now an expert in. Whatever the case may be for you, God has given you specific skills, experiences, and knowledge for a purpose—to use them to be a light to the world. 

Maybe God’s calling you to serve with a local organization that pairs students from low-income households with volunteers who can help them with schoolwork. Maybe you have a specific skill, like sewing, that you can teach others in your community to empower them to provide for their families. 

Like Daniel, you have the opportunity to use your education, experience, and knowledge to make a difference. And as with Daniel, it starts with a choice. Daniel’s impact wasn’t limited to his ability. He chose to obey God by taking a stand and not eating food that would defile him and his faith. 

We each get to choose how we will use the education and opportunities God has given us. Will we honor Him with it? Or will we hoard it for our own benefit? 

Imagine the impact we could have if, like Daniel, we chose to use our education and situation to honor God and serve others. How might our communities look different? How might our personal faith grow? 

Today, take a moment to reflect on these questions:

• What specific opportunities have you had throughout your life to receive education and training?  
• What makes those opportunities unique to you?  
• How might God be calling you to use your skills and education to love and serve those He’s placed around you?

Pray: Father, I want to use my unique experiences to glorify You. Open my eyes to see where You’re calling me to use my skills. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Reflect on today’s questions and think of one step you can take today. Then, go do it!