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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Teacher (10/26/06)
Why is the Holy Spirit such a good teacher? He loves me! He wants a Christ-like life for me, but he loves me just the way I am. He is wiser than the wisest person, knowing all subjects completely. He has perfect timing and knows just how far to press to get his point across. He is patient and persistent, repeating the lesson as often as necessary to make his point. He does not condemn, nor is he malicious in revealing the truth, my sin. It is as if he says, “You blew it, apologize and commit yourself to do better next time. I’ll walk you through this.”

How does the Holy Spirit teach? He employs the steps for effective teaching (which he probably invented)! The first step is to establish learning objectives. For the Holy Spirit, the objective is to teach us to lead a more Christ-like life. This is something that can only be accomplished by working with the Holy Spirit. We simply do not have the power to make the changes in our lives without him.

The second step is discovery. The Holy Spirit uses circumstances and people in our lives to help us “discover” our errant behavior, belief, or attitude. When I “discover,” one of these truths, it is as if a veil were lifted and I saw my words or actions as God saw them – as ugly affronts to him and to others. I am amazed when I discuss the lesson he is teaching with others and find that they already knew, but I was totally unaware.

The third step is teaching. The Holy Spirit gently shows me a better way, reminding me of what Jesus has said and modeled. He is a master of taking advantage of teachable moments. A Bible verse comes to mind, or a Sunday School lesson, sermon, or daily devotional is right on point.

The fourth step is to practice the teaching. It is amazing how many times similar temptations or opportunities will present themselves where I could apply (or not) the lesson. In 1998, every time I got in my car for two weeks, the radio had an RBC program on the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (NIV Luke 18:12-14). I’m rather dull, but after two weeks, even I figured out what he was trying to tell me!

The fifth step is to evaluate and see if learning has occurred, and, if not, to re-teach the lesson. The Holy Spirit is more patient with me than I am with myself. He has taught me a lot during my walk with him and we have had many refresher courses as well.

The Holy Spirit is actively trying to teach me to trust and wait on God’s timing, to be patient with myself and others, to let God prepare the way, to quickly hear and act on his corrections, and to not barge in and try to control circumstances, people, or outcomes. For the control freak that I am, this has been a recurring lesson – “Nope, she doesn’t get it yet!” I wish I could truly learn and live all the lessons he gives me the first time, but it seems that I keep messing up. I can see progress in that I am hearing the Holy Spirit’s conviction of wrong-doing earlier, but I long for the day when either I won’t be inclined to take over someone else’s work, or I will at least recognize it before I act on that inclination. What distresses me most about my learning failures is how those actions reflect on God. I may be how someone sees Christ, and, often my actions do not bring glory to Christ so I may be keeping others from wanting to know Christ. I really do want to do what is right, but I blunder ahead, not stopping to pray and ask for guidance.

Lord, Thank you for your firm but gentle guidance moving towards a more Christ-like life. Thank you for loving me and being patient with me when I keep messing up. Open my heart to understand and apply what you are trying to teach me. Help me to trust and rely on you for everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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This article has been read 788 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sharlyn Guthrie
11/06/06
This is full of truth and technicaly well-written. My suggestions would be a new title (perhaps just "The Best Teacher"...leaving a little intrigue. Then start by revealing a personal struggle or dillema, before launching into how the Holy Spirit taught you through it. That would do a better job of drawing the reader in. I was very impressed with the content. Keep writing!