The Indispensible role of Teaching

We all need teaching in order to become who we currently are not. My son Caleb is a perfect example. A few years back, my two sons and I were at a public pool. Suddenly, amidst our wet and wild water fight Caleb immediately got this urgent look on his face and did that all too familiar squirm that all parents immediately recognize. “DADDY, I GOTTA GO POTTY” he blurted out. I knew right away that the situation was marked URGENT, so I quickly reached up and picked him out of the pool and set him next to the lifeguard stand. As he danced around, I took a moment to locate my other to my other son and briefly explained to him that Caleb and I need to make a quick pit-stop at the rest room and that we’d be back soon. Within that short moment, this squirmy three year old decided not to wait for dad, but to take matters into his own hands. And, quite literally, he did. Before I could get out of the pool, he already had dropped his drawers and relieved himself about two inches from the lifeguard's right foot. It was embarrassing and funny at the same time. Oh, to be three again.

As I reflected later on this rather funny experience, I was reminded of how much learning/teaching is required in growing up. Be it talking, walking, tying our shoes, blowing our nose, reading, writing, brushing our teeth, or knowing where to go potty. . . all most all things that we do naturally (and appropriately now) were taught to us. Each of us were dependent on teachers who instructed us in various ways and taught us "how grow up". Unfortunately, Caleb’s main instructor that day was his brimming bladder. Obviously, he still needed some more instruction from dad that day. Like how to apologize to a lifeguard after peeing on his flip-flop.

The New Testament refers to those new in their walk with Christ as "newborn babes". Like babies in diapers, those young in their faith need ample instruction in life and in God in order to grow up in Christ. Think about it. Jesus came to help re-posture people’s hearts, minds, wills, emotions and bodies in a Godward way. In his attempt to do this he could have come as a great military general, or a charismatic politician, or even a conquering king. But, the most transformative and influential person in human history chose none of these grand roles to bring about global transformation. He chose to become a teacher! Yes, Jesus is the savior of the world. But, at the same time He is also the teacher of the world. As such, may we be followers who are intentional about teaching what he taught.

Like Caleb, we all make messes along the way. But, many of the mistakes of life can be avoided when we have loving and wise guides who are intentional about teaching in the way of Jesus.