“The prudent man considers all his steps” (PROV. 14:15).
1, 2. a) What decisions do young people have to make?
Young people have to make decisions about how to earn a living. While serving Jehovah full-time is undoubtedly the best thing they can do, they also need to decide how to support themselves and what kind of work they would like to do.
Some must decide whether to continue their studies after completing compulsory education and what kind of studies to choose. These decisions should be made with their main goal in mind: serving Jehovah.
1, 2. b) What does the expression additional studies mean? (See the “Main Idea”).
The term "further education" refers to training that a person chooses to undertake after completing compulsory education with the aim of acquiring knowledge or skills that will help them find employment. This may include university studies, technical courses, vocational training, or other training programs.
“SHOULD I CONTINUE STUDYING?”
3. Why might some Christians consider pursuing further education?
Some Christians may consider pursuing further education because, in certain places, this education can help them obtain employment with better conditions, such as a higher salary or more favorable hours. This could allow them to have more time for preaching or other activities in Jehovah's service. However, they should carefully consider the sacrifices and challenges that this may entail.
4. Who has the responsibility to decide whether a Christian will pursue further studies? (See also the note.)
Each adult Christian has the responsibility to decide for himself whether to pursue further studies, as Galatians 6:5 indicates: “Each one will carry his own load of responsibility.”
In the case of minors, parents are responsible for making decisions related to their education. Furthermore, they must guide their children so that, as adults, they can make sound decisions based on biblical principles.
5. When should a Christian decide whether to pursue further studies, and why? (See also the image.)
Young people often have to decide whether to pursue further studies while they are still in compulsory education. Therefore, it is wise for them to talk to their parents well in advance, to allow time to research the available options and consider what the best course of action would be.
However, it is not essential to make that decision before completing compulsory education. Some young people prefer to finish their studies, look for work, and begin pioneering while they consider whether they need to continue studying. Each person can decide at another time according to their circumstances, always acting prudently and taking Bible principles into account.
ILLUSTRATION
A teenage girl and her parents are discussing different options for further education. They are looking at various brochures from educational institutions, a video from JW Broadcasting, and the Bible.
Christian parents help their daughter make good decisions about further studies. (See paragraph 5.)
6. What will help you make a good decision about further studies?
To make a good decision about further studies, it is important to discuss the matter with Jehovah and ask for wisdom, as James 1:5 indicates. In addition, we should follow two steps: first, sincerely ask ourselves why we want to continue studying and examine our motivations; second, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the option we are considering, following the principle of Proverbs 14:15.
“WHY DO I WANT TO CONTINUE STUDYING?”
7. What is the fundamental question to ask, and why?
It's crucial to ask ourselves, "Why do I want this type of education?" This is important because we need to examine our motivations. Wanting to prepare ourselves for a job we enjoy or that allows us to support ourselves isn't wrong, but we must avoid letting the desire for more money, prestige, or financial security become the most important thing in our lives.
The Bible warns about the dangers of materialism, since seeking wealth or recognition can leave us feeling empty and, worse, distance us from Jehovah.
8, 9. a) How should Christians view education? (Matthew 6:33).
A Christian should view education as a means to support himself and live a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly. Nothing should be more important to us than serving Jehovah; therefore, decisions about our studies must be in harmony with the primary goal of serving him.
8, 9. b) What do you learn from what Josefina, Morine and Iris say?
We learn that circumstances may be different, but the principle is the same: Jehovah must take first place in our lives.
Josefina chose an education that enabled her to have a job and serve Jehovah more fully. Morine studied a trade with the goal of preparing herself to serve where the need was greatest. Iris understood that, although education can bring advantages, true happiness and satisfaction do not depend on a degree, but on keeping Jehovah at the center of our lives.
These examples teach us that when our educational decisions support our spiritual goals, we can experience true happiness and satisfaction.
“WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?”
10. How does Deuteronomy 32:29 help you make a decision about further study?
Deuteronomy 32:29 helps us think ahead about the consequences of our decisions. Applied to further study, it encourages us to carefully analyze different options, weigh their advantages and disadvantages, and ask ourselves if the benefits truly outweigh the potential drawbacks.
We can also consider other alternatives, such as online courses, and ask ourselves if we could earn a living without further study. The important thing is to choose an option that allows us to maintain a good relationship with Jehovah and achieve our spiritual goals.
11. Why should you think about how many hours a week you will have to dedicate to your studies? (See also the images).
We need to think about how many hours a week we will have to dedicate to our studies because it is important to make sure that we will have enough time and energy for our spiritual activities and our responsibilities at home.
A very demanding schedule could leave us exhausted and affect our personal study, preparation for meetings, or preaching work. Therefore, it is wise to consider how much time classes, practice, and assignments will require and choose an option that allows us to maintain a good balance between our studies, our responsibilities, and our service to Jehovah.
ILLUSTRATION
Image series: A brother tries to imagine if he can balance further studies with his other responsibilities. 1. He passes the microphone during meetings. 2. He preaches from house to house. 3. He works in a coffee shop. 4. He attends classes.
If you are thinking of continuing your studies, make sure you will have time to attend to all your important responsibilities. (See paragraph 11.)
12. What questions will help you make the best use of your time? (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
To make the best use of my time, it is good to ask myself: How many months or years will it take me to complete my studies? Am I using that time wisely? Will these studies allow me to give my best to Jehovah during my youth, perhaps by serving full-time? Are there shorter options that will prepare me for the job I want?
These questions prompt us to consider whether there are shorter alternatives to achieving our goal. For example, some institutions offer opportunities to acquire job skills in less time and at a lower cost than a university. In this way, we can achieve our career goals without losing sight of our spiritual aspirations.
13. What are some dangers of moving to another place to study?
Moving away to study can jeopardize our spirituality, especially if it means living far from family or with people who don't share our beliefs. In such circumstances, we are more easily exposed to bad company, temptations, and situations that can weaken our relationship with Jehovah. It's also wise to consider alternatives, such as online learning, before making a decision.
14. How can Luke 14:28 help you make a good decision?
Luke 14:28 teaches us to calculate the cost before making a decision. Applied to further studies, it encourages us to analyze how much the studies will cost and whether we can truly afford them without creating financial hardship for ourselves or our families.
It also helps us to take into account other expenses, such as materials, transportation or possible loans, and to consider if there are cheaper options.
15. Why is it good to consider the job market before deciding what to study?
It's wise to consider the job market before deciding what to study because not all training guarantees employment opportunities. Some programs teach little practical knowledge, while others prepare students for jobs with very little demand.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate whether the training we want to receive will actually help us find a job where we live or where we plan to live. This will increase our chances of getting a job that allows us to support ourselves and continue serving Jehovah.
16. Why is it important to think about the type of job you can find with what you want to study?
It's important to think about the type of work we can find because it's not enough to just get a job; it's also important that it's compatible with our spiritual goals.
Therefore, it is good to ask ourselves if it is a job we would enjoy, what the work environment will be like, whether the schedule will allow us to attend meetings and participate in the ministry, and whether the salary will be sufficient to cover our needs. This will help us choose training that will allow us to support ourselves while still putting the Kingdom first.
17. a) Where can you find the information you need to make a good decision?
To make a good decision, we can gather information by visiting the educational institution or its website, researching job opportunities in that field, and speaking with people who have studied there or work in that profession. It is also very helpful to seek advice from mature brothers and sisters who happily serve Jehovah.
17. b) What Bible principles will help you make a decision? (See the box “Helpful Bible Principles”).
The biblical principles of Proverbs 13:10 and Proverbs 15:22 remind us of the value and wisdom behind listening to good advice and consulting with experienced people before making an important decision.
18. What should we remember?
We must remember that while higher education may help us achieve some financial stability, true happiness depends on having a close friendship with Jehovah. We must also remember that Jehovah cares for all his servants, regardless of their level of education.
Further studies have advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to analyze the options and pray to Jehovah before making a decision.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What is the relationship between Galatians 6:5 and decisions about further studies?
Galatians 6:5 reminds us that “each one will carry his own load.” This means that every adult Christian must take responsibility for deciding for himself whether to pursue further education and accept the consequences of that decision.
In the case of minors, it is the parents who have the responsibility to make decisions about their education and guide them so that, when they are adults, they can make good decisions based on biblical principles.
How should Christians view additional studies?
Christians should view further studies as a means to support themselves and be able to lead a life centered on serving Jehovah wholeheartedly, not as the main goal of life.
Education can be useful in preparing for and obtaining a job, but it should never take the place that belongs to Jehovah. Therefore, decisions about our studies should be in harmony with our spiritual goals and help us to keep Jehovah first.
What factors should a Christian consider when deciding whether to continue studying?
A Christian should analyze several factors before deciding whether to continue studying:
The schedule: You should consider how many hours classes, practice, and homework will require, and whether you will have enough time and energy for your spiritual activities, meetings, preaching, and responsibilities at home.
The duration: You should evaluate how long it will take to complete your studies and whether that time will be well spent. You might also consider shorter options that would allow you to learn a useful skill without neglecting your spiritual goals.
The place: You should consider whether you will have to move and if that change could jeopardize your spirituality by distancing yourself from your family or being surrounded by people who don't share your beliefs. You might explore alternatives, such as studying closer to home or online.
The cost: You should calculate the total cost of your studies, including additional expenses, and determine if you can afford them without creating unnecessary financial burdens for yourself or your family. You should also consider whether there are more affordable options available.
The labor market: You should investigate whether the studies you want to pursue will actually prepare you for a job in demand and whether they will enable you to get a job that will help you support yourself while you continue to put Jehovah first.
By prayerfully analyzing these factors and applying Bible principles, a Christian can make a wise and balanced decision that protects his friendship with Jehovah.
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