“Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40 NIV
“Choose well and wisely those to whom you give your ear and entrust your heart.”
My thoughts today are about “learning and growing.”
Growth is life-long, because learning is a life-long process. It was said of Jesus that He “grew in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 NIV. Jesus models well-rounded development: mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.
The question is not whether you are growing, but whether you are learning. The Bible makes it clear that growth is not optional; it is expected, even mandatory. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 NIV. The secret to sound and well-balanced growth should then be the attitude that you haven’t yet “arrived.” When you stop learning, you stop growing. There’s more to learn from others, just as there is more that others can learn from you.
Jesus said, “Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40 NIV. Choose wisely those to whom you give your ear and entrust your heart. I want my teachers to be those who are more and more like Jesus, because I want to learn each day to be more like them so I am becoming more and more like Him.
You not only need to have teachers, but it can be sobering to realize that you also need to be a teacher, a good and Godly example for others to follow. Others within your circle of influence will inevitably grow to be a little more like your example. Paul could confidently write, “Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 Today’s English Version. Can you be so bold in your spiritual experience and example before others? But be advised, the Bible says, “You know that we who teach will be judged by a higher standard . . thus we assume the greater accountability.” James 3:1 Amplified.
Somewhere I read this quote, “If you want to strengthen your teaching, do everything in your power to strengthen the teacher – yourself!” To lead and teach others, you must learn to be taught and never stop learning. And if you want to touch others, you must ask God to first touch you.
My prayer for you today is that you will always keep learning and growing like Jesus.