Daily Devotion

“We searched high and low for a motto that could express the purpose of this university. In the end, we chose: "Freedom through truth, service through service." This was, of course, inspired by the words of Jesus: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," and His words, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve."”

John Leighton Stuart · Fifty Years in China

Scripture

John 8:32 “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Matthew 20:28 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection

Yenching University's motto is not a worldly slogan, but rather founded on the truth and self-sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Reflecting on the present, we often pursue knowledge in our academic or professional pursuits, yet easily develop rational arrogance; we yearn for freedom from bondage, but if separated from the love of Christ, we degenerate into indulgence and selfishness. True freedom is not about doing whatever one pleases, but about willingly bowing down to serve others after being released by the truth. Only by rooting knowledge in spirituality and pouring freedom into dedication can life be preserved in truth and live out the likeness of the Son of Man.