Teach One Another

By Trinity Opp

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT).

One of the great joys and responsibilities of being a parent is teaching my children to love Jesus, become like Jesus, and share Jesus with others. While I don’t always feel adequate to teach my children, I recognize the privilege of this responsibility. As a follower of Jesus, I take comfort in the sufficiency of God’s Word to help me teach them how to live for Jesus.

In teaching my children, I have learned the importance of practicing what I teach. On occasion, my children give me gentle reminders (or one could say they teach me!) that I don’t always do what I teach. Sometimes it comes in the form of the heart-penetrating question, “Dad, is this a time we are to do what you say, not do as you do?” More than anyone, my children have taught me that integrity matters when we teach one another and that our example can be as important as the words we speak.

As members of God’s family, we are commanded to teach one another. Surely, we will all benefit from the wise counsel of the spiritually mature women and men among us, but let’s not underestimate the benefits that come from the whole body of Christ participating in teaching one another.

While it is important that we look to the Bible for what we teach one another, we never overlook the importance of how we go about teaching one another. As we seek to follow the command to “teach one another” in the family of God, may we do so in a spirit of charity and humility. This requires a posture that is gentle, yet uncompromising, full of grace and truth, merciful, loving, and caring for the interests of others above our own. Let us also embrace the value of learning from one another with a teachable spirit, being approachable, asking good questions, and taking time to listen more than we speak.

Our goal as Christians is to conform to the image of Christ. That is the work of the gospel in our lives. As the mosaic of our Covenant family grows, may we teach one another and learn from one another so that together we can mature in Christ and effectively live on mission for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good.

Reflection Question

• Where might God be inviting you to align your words and actions more closely, so that your life reflects Christ to those around you?

Prayer

Jesus, help me to live with charity and humility toward my faith family. Give me a teachable spirit and a willingness to listen and learn from others. Forgive me when my pride or arrogance gets in the way of my relationship with others. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and let the Word of God be the foundation from which I speak. May my life be a living example of what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ. Amen.