Pupil October 23, 2014

¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!
Psalm 143:10 ESV 

"Teach me your will."  Not reveal to me.  Not write it on the wall.  Not impress upon my spirit.  But teach.

In Psalm 143:10 David views himself as a student of the Most High.  God's pupil.

Perhaps you view yourself as a child of God, or a joint heir, or a sinner saved by grace, which are all true for the Christian.  But do you recognize the teacher-pupil relationship you have with your Heavenly Father?

As a 29 year veteran of public schools, the word teach really got my gears turning.  What are the components necessary for learning?  How do learners learn?  

I asked myself, "What are some the basics requirements in most classrooms?

1.  Attendance-  You have to show up to learn what the teacher has planned.  If God kept attendance of your quiet times, church attendance, etc. would you receive a gold star or a letter from the attendance officer?

2.  Textbooks-  Although textbooks look different from the early McGuffey Readers, most classes require reading of some sort- ebooks, articles, internet sites, etc.  For the Christian, the Bible should be the primary text, but there are scores of supplemental texts that can add to the lesson.  Spend an afternoon in your local Christian book store and discover the great Christian authors of past and present.

3.  Homework- Not all God wants you to learn will happen during the 20, 30, or even 60 minutes of your quiet time each day.   Be sensitive to the lessons God is teaching you throughout the day.  

4.  Tests-  YUCK!  Learning can only be measured through some sort of assessment.  The assurance you have from your Heavenly Headmaster is that you will not be tested over any material or in any situation for which you are not prepared.  In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul reminds us that God, "will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."  God does not set you up for, or rejoice in your mistakes, missteps, or miscalculations.  

5.  Errors- I am current reading a book that examines the traditional ways we have taught people to learn.  Research shows that the more difficult lessons are where the highest level of learning takes place.  Because of this, the best learning is accompanied by a certain degree of error.  As a Christian, the blood of Jesus Christ has already cleansed us from all mistakes.  Sin is forgiven.  When you stumble, ask God to strengthen and teach.  Don't allow it to defeat you.

5.  Graduation-  If you have asked Jesus Christ to become your personal Lord and Savior, you are guaranteed a graduation from this school of hard knocks.  And what a graduation party He has planned!  Singing.  Angels.  Reunions.  And the best thing. . .no more tests, no more heartache, no more tears.  

Teach me to do Your will; may I ever remain Your pupil.