Live it, Then Teach it
Life and all of its challenges were always meant to serve a purpose. Although it may seem like we are on a roller coaster at times, with its ups and downs, mountain tops and valleys, God wants us to experience more conquests than consequences. Our experiences come most of all to enhance and build our relationship with God, our Father. What we can be assured of is that when we experience obstacles and issues of life that challenge even the strongest of believers, God’s love for us never wanes. He allows these situations for our growth and spiritual maturity. With that growth and maturity, part of our accountability is the responsibility and privilege we have to be God’s agents here on earth.
A few days ago, my husband and I were dining out and something transpired that has been on my mind since then. For some it may have been just happenstance, for me it was revelation. I must say that now more than ever I am looking for God in everything! I do not want to miss anything He has to say, whether it is directly or through the voice of someone else. As we were still enjoying our meal there were two ladies eating at a booth behind us. One was elderly and needed the assistance of a walker for her mobility. The other was a lady who appeared to possibly be in her 40’s. As they were getting up from the table the daughter was gently giving her mother instructions, but her mother didn’t seem to hear. So, the daughter repeated herself at least three times before it finally registered with her mom. My husband was watching intently just in case he needed to assist them. The daughter noticed and then turned to us and began to talk to us as if we knew each other. She said it’s hard when the roles change, and the child becomes the parent. She said but that’s life, I guess. We both nodded and said we agreed and understood because we have both been there. What she said next became the catalyst for this blog. Paraphrasing, she said you need to teach people how to handle life when it gets to that point. I totally misunderstood because she was speaking through her mask. I thought she said that she needs to teach it. I responded from my understanding; and replied that it is much needed, and it would help many, many people. I explained I had observed her love and patience with her mother. She then replied, “no, I mean the two of you need to teach it!” “You’ve been through it, and lived through it, you can help us who are in it now.” I must admit I was taken aback and honestly cannot recall what my response was after that. Suffice it to say, it made a huge impact.
We hear sermons, lectures, and even self-help talks which encourage us to be living witnesses of God’s power working in our lives. Philippians 2: 13 says it like this, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” If indeed we are His witnesses and His called out disciples, we cannot keep silent. What makes this all so relevant is that my husband had just preached a message less than 2 hours prior entitled “You Do Not Have The Right To Remain Silent”! Before I close, I must make certain you do not allow the word TEACH in the title of this writing to deter you, nor render you exempt. I am going to say this and it may sound harsh, but it is not my attempt to offend. Oftentimes we look for escapisms in an effort to avoid what we know we should do. The word teach means to impart knowledge or skill. There is nothing that states in order to teach you must have a degree or a classroom in a building. Your life and how you live it can and should be a teaching tool. That’s being a living witness! Too often people feel that teaching and even preaching is far beyond their skill or “pay grade”. However, as Christians we are disciples acting as change agents in this present world. What God has done for you, surely, He has the same desire to do for someone else! Someone needs to be blessed by learning of your encounters with our Lord Jesus Christ that make each one of life’s experiences worth it all!