All throughout the history of mankind, the role of education could never be underestimated. Education is very important, that it is considered the ladder to reach our dreams. Without it, many would be a slave of their own ignorance and maybe civilization would be impossible.

That is the main reason that, a school is where the haters of ignorance go. Many people have exerted tremendous effort, money, and time just to have access to quality education. But despite all of the glamour the world’s educational system could offer, it is far from ending human suffering and misery. It seems to me that worldly education has almost consistently missed the most crucial dimension of learning—and that is Moral Education.

Being a part of the Church is the most precious blessing one could ever receive, because it is only then that we could learn the gift of truth about God’s plan for mankind. We have a remarkable privilege that God has chosen us to know more about His word. And as a youth in the Church, I have the chance to be a part of the Youth Bible Lesson (YBL).

I did not grow up in the Church, that is why it was hard for me to imagine what I really missed during the past 15 years, until the day we started attending Sabbath Services.

It is a little difficult to catch up with the other students (who are taking the YBL) of my age. This is the main reason why I am more than happy to grab the chance to have this YBL. It helps me in many ways. It enables me to be equipped with the right knowledge and wisdom that I could never learn from school.

During the 2008 Summer Outing of the Manila Congregation, we had our YBL Recognition Day. It is the most awaited day for students like me. It is unlike any other graduation. It is the day when we celebrate our hope and aspiration in God, to be part of the first fruits of God’s harvest.

Just like what the Church has always taught us, our worldly education should not be our top priority, but the coming Kingdom of God and God’s Righteousness.

Schools might teach us how to earn a living but, not how to live. Universities might provide us with a career but, never salvation. They might offer us temporary wealth but, not eternal life.

As I received my diploma, I still cannot believe that it is already the graduation day.

Time passes by so fast that it was like only yesterday when I first sat down with my evaluator. He would enthusiastically explain our lessons as if taking us back in time with each story he told, while stimulating our minds with his facial expressions and gestures. He would always make us laugh and made me realize that a day without laughter is a wasted day. Then came the test papers. I would answer them keenly with all the things I know but sometimes, or maybe most of the time, I just don’t get it all right and mistakes are committed. Then, I would constantly remind myself that mistakes will only remain as mistakes if we don’t learn from them.

As the YBL Recognition Day came to a close, let us not think that that was the end ... but rather, only the beginning of our new endeavor.

I realize that we must always keep the light burning for our fellow youths and for the brethren. Let us always move forward with an assurance that we can be victorious in all things because God is there to strengthen us. Let us use our God-given wisdom to cause one another to glorify God and to continue with our first love. Indeed, it may be hard but still, it is all worth it!

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas