Early in the pandemic, when school started looking different at home and online, my son asked, “Who invented school anyway?” Now that we are not actually going into school, I think he started thinking what is the purpose of it all in the first place. My first response, because it was one of those late night questions before bed, was let’s Google it tomorrow. Then I realized I knew the answer. God did. God is the creator of everything and designed each one of us to be teachable. To gain knowledge and wisdom. Truth and teaching starts in the heart at home.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Duet. 6:4-9
Trust
To teach someone, trust must be established. I think some of the best teachers I have had through the years established foundational trust. I knew that they deeply cared for me and wanted to see me grow. My kids know I love them and care for them and therefore, even though they don’t always listen and obey, they trust my teaching as it comes from the heart. The key is that I try not to teach in my own wisdom or understanding, but God’s infinite truth and wisdom. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Respect
In teaching, there is a relationship established. Jesus’ ministry on earth started with 12 men, his disciples. He called them to follow Him. He first gained their trust and later their respect. They called Him teacher. The same is true for any parent that invests time in developing a relationship with their kids. In later years, there will be the benefit of respect. Respect that is earned through years of care-filled teaching and walking in love.
Connect
Jesus’ desire to teach His disciples was to connect them to God. All His teachings were aimed at connecting people to the truth that would give them eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) This year more than ever I want to connect my kids and others to the Truth that gives eternal life. Knowing God and being known by Him – this is the true teaching and connection all of us need. Make your connection with Jesus strong and all these “things” will be added to you.
Be Teachable
Trust. Respect. Connect.
Who or what has ‘schooled’ you this year? What lessons have you learned along the way about yourself and others?