Who’s teaching whom?
Good question. I’m convinced that leadership is a lifetime of learning. So is being a parent. So is being a pastor. Life lessons are all over the map. It could happen in a conversation with a child. It could happen in an interaction on a ball field. It could happen when reading a book. You get the point. Truthfully learning starts when we are children.
I was struck by this as I read Deuteronomy 11 this morning during my morning devotions. I was reading Deuteronomy 11-13 as part of my Everyday Gospel devotions when I ran across the following: “You must love the Lord your God and always obey his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands. Keep in mind that I am not talking to your children, who have never experienced the discipline of the Lord your God or seen his greatness and his strong hand and powerful arm. They didn’t see (v.3)…They didn’t see (v.4)…Your children didn’t see (v.5)…They didn’t see (v.6)…But you have seen the Lord perform all these mighty deeds with your own eyes!” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the point I am trying to get across. As Moses is talking to those he is leading, he reminds them the responsibility they have of teaching their children, because why?…the children did experience what their parents had. How were they to know what happened or how to act unless the parents teach them? It was to start with the Shema (6:4)-“The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” He then challenges them with telling their children at any time and to make it prominent in their lives. That is virtually repeated in 11:18-20.
If you haven’t already started teaching the little people in your life, it is time to start. Sons. Daughters. Nieces. Nephews. Grandchildren. Neighbor kids. Church kids. (Be careful of the setting with these last two). Teaching and learning go hand in hand. As I learn I teach; as I teach I learn. Remember: the lessons you and I learn in life are to be passed on to those we love and care about.
But it starts when we are young…AND NEVER STOPS!!
If we are open to what He wants us to learn, God can use any means to teach us the lessons He wants us to know. He has often used our cats, wildlife, health challenges, unexpected change, fiction books, and lyrics to songs to teach me. Thinking about that makes me kind of excited to see or hear what avenue He might use to teach me today!
That’s the thing about God Pam. He is so unpredictable.
Learning is most definitely a life-long process, Bill. We are called to teach others and to learn from their witness, too. Wonderful, helpful thoughts this morning.
Blessings!
I agree Martha. We can learn from everyone and anyone.
Excellent point Bill. The beautiful part about children, is they have a eagerness to learn, and when you give them your attention and share with them lessons, you both come out ahead with a lessoned learned. I have 5 great nieces and one great nephew, but only two that live in Indiana. I feel like I miss out on teaching the other four, I need to try and fix that.
I like that you are conscientious about this Gail. So many are not. I pray God gives you that opportunity some day
God will sustain His Church. However, as you have indicated, it is our responsibility to teach those who come after us. Beyond just teaching, is modeling. It is not enough for kids (or adults) to simply know about God through His word. We must KNOW God. It is difficult to teach experience. One can share experiences, one can share how God has moved, but that requires us to get a bit more personal. Something many struggle with. Sharing how and where God has moved. Sharing how I have failed, yet God has provided grace. Sharing how God continues to rescue me over and over again. In many ways, those lessons are so much more valuable. Obviously those experiences have to line up with God’s Word. Wow, said a lot there… To sum it up… I agree with you whole hardheartedly regarding the teaching of the younglings!
I like the way you said it Ryan. Teaching and modeling go hand in hand.