We Are Teachers of The Faith
by Jon Walker

«Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other.» (Colossians 3:16a NLT)

Discipleship – We are all teachers of the faith.

We may be good teachers or we may be bad teachers, but we all are teachers. Everyday, hopefully, we model biblical behaviors and respond with Christ-like attitudes.

Teaching involves more than unpacking Bible stories or giving theological insight; we teach when we help one another know how to love a spouse, make wise decisions, keep our thought-life pure, or get out of debt.

The Apostle Paul says we’re to «counsel each other.» That means we should be learners also – listening to other believers as they tell us about God’s work in their lives, and watching one another to see what «Christ in you» looks like in another human being. (Colossians 1:27 NIV)

He says the power of collective spiritual growth occurs when we:

· Let the words of Christ live in our hearts. We must know God’s Word before we can teach it. As we hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on the words of Christ, we take them into our hearts. This gives us the wisdom we need to help one another grow in godly character. (Romans 15:14b, NCV)

· Use God’s words to teach and counsel each other. The Bible reflects the mind and will of the Father. When you’re carefully stepping along a slippery slope, would you rather consult the wisdom of God, or the wisdom of man?

It’s not enough to merely learn the Word; we must allow it to take root in our hearts so we then can apply it in our lives, holding tight, not relaxing our grip: «Guard it well – your life is at stake!» (Proverbs 4:13, MSG)

So what does this mean to me? Your friends and relations are not an accidental part of your life. (Remember that during the next family reunion!) They are gifts from God. They are the very people God designed to help you grow in Christ-like character. Even if they are not Christians, God can still use them to create Christ-like character in you.

If your life is a lesson to others, what are you teaching them about faith in God?

© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
   
Jon Walker is a pastor-advocate living in Tennessee and the former pastor of communications at Saddleback Church.