I happened to find myself on a page about the renowned Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, while surfing around the internet recently. It brought back some school-day memories. But got me thinking too, and that’s always a good thing.
Pythagoras
Pythagoras was a Greek mathematician and philosopher who lived between 580-520 BC. He founded a school in Croton, which made outstanding contributions to the field of mathematics. He is famous for his study of sound and his theorem relating the lengths of the sides of a right triangle. He intensely studied the world around him and came up with some of the most astute observations about the structure of the universe.
Pythagoras’ philosophy is considered mystical. However, he did emphasize to his students a principle that is applicable to Christians, the principle of self-examination. Though Pythagoras would use his own conscience as his standard for measurement, Christians can look to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
These are the questions Pythagoras demanded that his students reflect upon each night to measure their progress that day:
“How did I succeed in my studies today?”
“Could I have learned more?”
“Could I have studied better?”
“Is there something I neglected?”
In light of scripture, we can ask,
“How did I do in following Christ?”
“Could I have learned more?”
“Could I have done better?”
“Is there something the Lord would have me do that I have neglected?”
About Paul Sibley
Andrew Gosden (now 18) has been missing from his Doncaster home since 14 September 2007. The search continues.
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