Put it Into Practice
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
In the first forum of the 2025-26 school year, Mr. Mario Hernandez—an evangelist overseeing the Work in Spanish—congratulated this year’s class on their decision to come to Living Education. Mr. Hernandez recalled the history of the Church’s educational institutions, and reminded the students of an important point: the knowledge gained through Living Education must be applied.
Knowledge is Not Enough
Mr. Hernandez’s admonition is not a new one. He referenced Deuteronomy 4:5-6, stating: “I have taught you statutes and judgments… therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
God links application of instruction with wisdom. We develop wisdom by taking what we’ve learned and actively applying it to our daily lives. Instruction and learning are important—but if we neglect putting what we’ve learned into practice, we strip everything we’ve learned of its value. The instruction that students receive through Living Education can be of lasting benefit for their futures—but only if it is put into practice.
Be Diligent!
Mr. Hernandez stressed that these principles can be applied at any age. God has chosen us to be firstfruits in His Kingdom—a role we should not take lightly. He can begin working with us at any age, at the time of His choosing. We are never too young or too old to apply the principles we’ve been given. We have a responsibility to do so, passing on the benefit we’ve been given to others. He mentioned Luke 12:48, stating that “To whom much is given, from him much will be required.”
Mr. Hernandez reminded the students that we don’t need to wait to apply these principles. We must be diligent both to seek knowledge and to apply it in our lives—and the best time to start is now.
The Importance of Prayer
One important aspect of successfully applying godly principles to our Christian walk is prayer. Mr. Hernandez admonished the students to keep up with prayer and study. If we neglect our relationship with God, we can become distant from Him. Distance from God results in spiritual weakness, a warning that Mr. Hernandez shared with firmness.
This world is filled with distractions, violence, promiscuity, and perversion. In the face of such ever-present challenges, we cannot compromise or allow our character to be eroded.. We must put in the effort to call on God, asking for His help to put His principles into practice. If we maintain a strong, faithful connection with our heavenly Father, we will be able to overcome and enter God’s Kingdom.
Use What You Have Been Given
Mr. Hernandez reminded the students that they have been given a rare and wonderful opportunity. The next nine months will be a time of intense learning and instruction—and each day will bring new opportunities to apply principles learned to daily life. All of us are students of God’s way of life, learning and growing, and we have a responsibility to not only learn, but find ways to use the gifts that we have been given by God.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
