For you yourself have taught me. (Ps. 119:102)
I attended a graduate-level lecture taught by a world-recognized Bible scholar. I hoped to gain insight from this teacher, but ended up walking away in total disagreement with his interpretation of Scripture. He was attempting to make a case, using Scripture, for allowing a behavior that I believed to be sinful.
There are many teachers in the world. They are often given great respect, degrees, and honors. People sit quietly in rows and listen to them talk. Given these accolades, it’s easy to assume that just because someone is a teacher, they are teaching what is true, right, and good. The fact that someone is a teacher is far less important than what they are teaching. The key question for students is whether the instruction aligns with God’s Word and ways.
Ultimately, God is our teacher. He uses a variety of methods and people to help us learn. If we can maintain an attitude of humility, we will start with open ears. We then filter the content through our brain and heart, using the Bible as a guide, and have a follow-up discussion with the Holy Spirit to help sift truth from error. When a teacher deviates from God’s divine self-revelation through Scripture and Jesus Christ, we must have the courage and critical-thinking skills to disagree respectfully.
Ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher.
Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church, in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
