Ignorance has often been used as a weapon by the rich and powerful to keep the poor and oppressed in bondage. This allows the wealthy few to amass power and hoard wealth for themselves and their families, while others remain enslaved in poverty and subjugation.
As Jesus noted about the rulers of the Gentiles, “They lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them” (Matthew 20:25). However, as beloved children of God and followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. Jesus teaches us, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27).
Christ exemplified this humility, demonstrating that true greatness lies in service. Though the one who sits at the table is often seen as greater than the one who serves, Jesus, our Lord, came as a humble servant to serve us sinners (Luke 22:26-27). He came into the world as the Light, so that we might no longer dwell in darkness and ignorance (John 8:12).
In Europe, many reformers in the middle age , who sought to make the Bible accessible faced persecution from the Roman Catholic Church. In America, the 1647 Old Deluder Satan Act was passed in Massachusetts to ensure that children learned to read and write, and for people to be able to read the Scripture and grow in the knowledge of God. Similarly, the Sunday school movement was initiated to educate people, providing tools to read, write, and learn about God.
Jesus is the foundation and source of all enlightenment. Satan, on the other hand, uses ignorance to enslave people's minds, keeping them in darkness and deception. The devil seeks to perpetuate lies and delusions, holding the world in bondage to sin. However, Christ came as the Light of the World to free us from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and bring us into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Education is vital for breaking free from ignorance and coming to the knowledge of Christ and the grace of God. It enables us to understand the eternal life that is freely given through faith in Jesus, the Son of God, whom the Father sent as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2).
Scripture reminds us of the transient nature of human achievements:
“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25).
The goal of our faith is the salvation of our souls (1 Peter 1:9). We have a living hope in Christ and are called to obedience through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:2). As God is holy, we are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
As redeemed children of God, bought with the precious blood of Christ, we are called not to live according to the evil desires we followed in ignorance before knowing Him (1 Peter 1:14-18). Instead, we are to walk in the light of Christ, living in truth, love, and freedom.