I discovered that I did not need to find my identity. I needed to learn what my father, A. W. Copeland, knew.

At one time, I rebelled against him. I dishonored him. I didn't give him authority over me. Oh, up to a point, I did. I gave him authority and dominion while I was in his presence. But when I got out of his sight, I did whatever I wanted to do.

The things that my father taught me and practiced in front of me were for my benefit. They were honorable things. I finally came to the point where I realized I was being stupid. I was out trying to learn things the hard way that my father already knew. I realized I could learn them from him and not have to pay the price of learning them for myself.

I came to understand that I could start my own life of learning after I have learned what my father knew—and I could get his years of experience free of charge and in a whole lot less time that it took him to learn it.

The reason some children of successful men and women are not worth much is that they don't bother to learn what their parents know about building a life or a business. In some cases, their parents fail to instill it in them. Often, children set out to learn for themselves rather than let the Lord teach them.

I found out when I went to college that if I didn't learn from God, I wasn't going to learn a thing in college. I came to see that honor was the answer—honoring God, honoring His Word and putting it first place in my life.

Please don't take me wrong. I am not underestimating the value of a college education. But if what a person learns at the university does not conform to the principles of God and His honor, then it is not an education. It is really just a head full of nonsense - useless facts and procedures.

Wisdom Will Put You Over
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour" (Prov. 3:13-16).

It is not knowledge that will put you over the top—it is wisdom.

Wisdom is the God-given gift to know what to do with knowledge. Wisdom gives understanding. There is in God a wisdom understanding of honor.