Continuing Professional Development!

One of the better innovations in the field of British education in recent years, has been the introduction of formal CPD (Continuing Professional Development). This is an official recognition of the truth of which many of us were already aware, and to which we were already givng attention - that learning is a life-long process (even for the teachers!!)

I spent this morning and afternoon in the very beautiful campus of the University of Stirling, attending a CPD Conference on spiritual development within the context of the latest educational initiative - A Curriculum for Excellence.

It was a most interesting, and useful, day, and I came away with a number of ideas, including some for the dissertation that I have almost completed. But I had some additional thoughts that don't have an educational bias. I found myself thinking about the Christian life. It's a life of continuing development. It's a life of constant growth - growing to be ever more like Jesus, "the Author and the Finisher of our faith" (Heb.12:2). Theologians use the big word 'sanctification', and it's a major part of the work of God the Holy Spirit, in the believer's life.

The other thought was that, as a believer, I should always be striving for excellence. This is surely the thought that was in the mind of the hymnwriter, M Farningham: "Just as I am, young, strong and free, to be the best that I can be for truth, and righteousness, and Thee; Lord of my life, I come". Paul certainly thought that way. "I don't mean to say ... that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." (Phil.3:12).

Continuing development towards excellence. It's what is now expected of Scottish teachers; it's what every Christian should be constantly seeking!