John 17:17-18
Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last
year, my cousin Natalie introduced me to the writings of Jen Hatmaker, a
wife and mother of three children who is also an author and Bible
teacher. I will admit that I have not read any of Hatmaker’s books or
Bible study guides…yet! But her blog posts are compelling AND
entertaining, and she speaks the truth about real life and how we
Christians can navigate the “troubled waters” it often brings. So when
Natalie posted a link on Facebook to Hatmaker’s blog about teachers*, I
was naturally “all in”!
I encourage you to take a few minutes and
read this blog post. It’s not just for teachers – or former teachers.
EVERYONE needs to read it! And here’s how I believe it applies to this
scripture passage...
Hatmaker points out that we often fail to
recognize all of the “truths” that are imparted to us and our children
via teachers. She writes of teachers…”If only you were evaluated on
what you do best and what actually matters: teaching kids to love
learning, to love books and authors and words, to love numbers, to
embrace science, to discover history, to create art, to think critically
and practice good citizenship and leadership and resourcefulness and
determination.”
Teachers are the vehicle for sharing truths and
knowledge with students. Hopefully, they motivate and encourage their
students to go out into the world and use this knowledge…to share their
wisdom, skills and abilities with others and to be productive, citizens
who “pay it forward”. Teachers are supposed to make the lessons “leap
from the page”, so to speak…to clarify difficult math exercises and give
“life” to historical events…to unlock the scientific mysteries and to
help their students to develop the “whole person”. My piano teacher,
Mrs. Little, taught me so much more than how to play the notes that were
printed on a page…she unlocked the secret of making the music “sing”. I
learned how to fully understand what the composer intended…and how to
convey that message to the best of my ability.
Jesus came to
earth to unlock some of the mysteries of God’s word…to explain many of
God’s teachings with personal demonstrations of love, grace, mercy,
forgiveness and compassion. He clarified God’s laws and encouraged us
in our missions and our ministries. Jesus showed us how to “pay it
forward” in our witness to others…and He unlocked the secret of carrying
the Holy Spirit with us and living for God each and every minute of the
day. Jesus was the ultimate Teacher…in Him, we truly find God.
Hatmaker
makes a number of important points in her blog post…in particular how
teachers’ efforts are often under-appreciated. She writes, “Because we
have no idea how to appropriately thank them for their incredible labor,
we say, ‘Here is this mug and also a gift card to Chili’s. Be
blessed.’” I believe this is how we often treat Jesus and the
incredible lessons and messages He has given us about God’s word. We
give Him “lip service”…we talk the talk, but we fail to walk the walk.
The time has come for us to recognize the lessons of Jesus…to hear His
truths concerning God’s word…and to put them into action.
If only
we evaluated Jesus on what actually matters: teaching us to love
learning about God’s word...to love the Bible...to embrace the beauty
and sanctity of God’s creations. If only we discovered how the history
of the scriptures knits together to create the perfect picture of God’s
orchestration of people and events to bring about His plans. If only we
looked to the models Jesus gave us for creativity, critical thinking,
and the practice of good citizenship and leadership - resourcefulness
and determination. These are the truths and lessons from God that He
brings to us. OUR JOB is to recognize and appreciate them…and to carry
them forward.
Will this be the day that you begin to fully
appreciate the teachings of Jesus? Will this be the day that you listen
to His truths and really begin to find God? Don’t you think it should
be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2014/05/06/my-wish-list-for-teachers
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