Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Teaching Is Learning

I think one of the reasons I am so passionate about teaching the Jr. Girls Class is all that I learn in the process. I am so thankful that God's Word is living, challenging and exciting (my favorite word in class). Tonight was an especially good challenge.

The lesson was from Luke 7:24-27 highlighting the wise and foolish men. They both have hearing in common, but what sets them apart is the doing - obedience. We also looked at the example of Levi/Matthew in Luke 5:27, 28. When Jesus asked Levi to follow Him, he asked no questions and made no demands...he just did it. Our example of the foolish man was the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-23. His love for himself was greater than his love for the Lord. In verse 23 it says that he was greatly saddened when he learned he would have to sell all his wealth. This is where it really gets good. As I was teaching it, I realized that he wasn't sad because he would have to part with his possessions. Would he have still felt that sadness if he had obeyed? I don't think so. Obedience brings joy and freedom.

I had written on the white board the words, wise and foolish. Most of these girls have been in church right after birth. They have all the knowledge and hearing - they just need to start the doing. I asked the girls if I handed them a marker where they would have to write their name. I know that at times I would have to write my name under foolish, but my goal is to live my life making those choices that would please Him. I don't want to just be a hearer, but a doer also.

Where would your name go?

2 comments:

Stacey said...

You did an amazing job tonight--BTW!! The girls who have decisions that they've been fighting were definatly faced with the need to do what they hear. And you were challenging to me personally as well. I'm with you, while I'd like to be 100% in the wise column I'd have to say that there are areas where foolishness creeps in. You're AMAZING!!! My new most favorite word!!!

Anonymous said...

A good reminder! Something to think about.
Becky