By Lisa Wilmore
Dear Hearts,
Recently, I received a video that spoke volume to me of the true purpose of education. Interestingly, it spoke to me so deeply that I felt compelled to share what it revealed. During this Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday, it is common to hear his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, which inspires hope and justice for all. While that speech is always moving, I was particularly struck by what he said about education in his earlier speech, “The Purpose of Education,” delivered at Morehouse College in 1947. In that speech, Dr. King emphasized that the true goal of education is not just acquiring knowledge, but also developing character, warning that intelligence without strong values can be dangerous.
With this in mind, working with children is not just about teaching them facts; it is about shaping hearts and minds, nurturing moral and spiritual growth, while helping each child recognize the unique potential God has placed within them. Rev. Dr. King’s words remind me that education is a sacred responsibility: it is about guiding young minds to think critically while also cultivating kindness, integrity, and a sense of purpose.
Rev. Dr. King once said that “The function of education is to teach individuals to think intensively and critically”. He also warned that education focused only on efficiency or skill, without moral grounding, can be dangerous. He captured this truth in his famous statement: “Intelligence plus character is the true goal of education.” This reminds us that knowledge alone is not enough; it must be combined with strong values and integrity.
As I reflected on this, I realized how deeply it connects to the teachings of Jesus. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” showing that wisdom starts with a relationship with God. Jesus taught that learning should engage both the mind and the heart. In Matthew 22:37–39, He explained that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. True education follows the same pattern: it develops thinking, but also compassion, humility, and righteousness.
The true purpose of education, then, is far greater than test scores or professional success. It is the calling to shape not just informed minds, but faithful, caring, and courageous hearts. When we combine intelligence with character, guided by God’s wisdom and the example of Jesus, education becomes transformative. It equips children and learners of all ages to think critically, act justly, and live with purpose. This, I believe, is the heart of Dr. King’s vision, and it is why we must remember that the ultimate goal of education is not only what we know, but who we become.
