Last week I was changed with teaching a small group lesson from the 28th chapter of Genesis. It was the account where Jacob heads to Haran to escape his brother's wrath. Early in the journey, Jacob has a dream of a ladder, angels, and God's affirmation of God's promise to establish a nation through his lineage. The subject of the lesson is of no consequence. The quality of lesson I delivered is.
I had spend time preparing for the lesson. Google searches. A PowerPoint presentation. Several neat insights at the ready. But the lesson was a resounding failure. Transitions were awkward. Class feedback absent. Delivery hesitant. Fifteen minutes into a 45 minute lesson, I had run out of material.
Rather than try to wing it and continue to painful experience, I simply told the class I had run out of material, apologized for the poor lesson, and closed in prayer. (That too was a mess.) There were the offers of encouraging words and well-meaning "it wasn't that bad", but I think everyone in the room knew it was awful.
As I slunk out of the room, I began to reflect on to the reason(s) for the catastrophe. It didn't take long to figure it out. Arrogance.
For the days leading up the the lesson, I had used the scripture from the provided material, but did not follow the outline for the lesson. I could prepare a better presentation with more insight and relevancy than the creators of the series. . . Or so I thought.
Look at me! I am a retired educator. I don't need to follow any lead from any curriculum publisher. (Insert sound of Wiley Coyote falling off a tall cliff with the resiquite long whistling sound and thud at the bottom.)
Arrogance can manifest itself in many ways. Having ones name on buildings all over the city. Facebook posts of great things accomplished. Not seeking advice before starting a project. Always walking about your own accomplishments. Or thinking you don't need to follow a curriculum outline.
Regardless of our background, experience, or expertise. we all need input, advice, and direction from others. Seek God first, but don't neglect to appreciate the other resources He provides.
No comments:
Post a Comment