Teaching
I love learning new ideas and new concepts. I remember not enjoying school so much when I was in college. I guess I saw it as a “means to an end”. If I wanted a job, I had to go to college – so I did. After being in student ministry for nearly 7 years, I decided to go back to school and get more education. I realized that I didn’t know near as much as I thought. I then discovered that I loved learning. In fact after getting my Master Degree in Counseling, I also began to teach in the area of student ministry and adolescent counseling. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching. There is something so cool and fulfilling about seeing “the light come on” as a student understands and grasps what is being taught.
Jesus begins His teaching ministry after calling 4 of His disciples. He really amazed the people who heard Him. Check this out….
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28 NIV)Jesus taught differently than any others before Him. He taught with confidence and authority – two things missing from the current teachers of His day. His message was refreshing and His teaching style was quite different. He was teaching in practical terms that the people could understand.
I remember some of my classes were BORING & DULL when I was a student. The teacher had long lost the ability to make the subject matter interesting and fun to learn. If the teacher’s message is not being heard and understood, then there is really not teaching going on at all. Teaching takes place where learning is present. If the students are not learning then it’s a meaningless experience. I want to continue to teach the Word of God with my life and my words. I want others to know the hope I have in Him. It is not a fantasy or dreamy – He’s as real as anything I can see or touch. I’ve learned that from personal experiences with the Lord.
Pressing On! Dwayne