Teach Me!

As an educator, I am especially delighted when I have students who really want to learn.  I know how to distinguish between those who want to learn and those who are just taking up space. 

Those who want to learn come to classes prepared--they have their books, paper, pen, and questions about things they did not understand when they read their assignment.  They are participants, not observers.

Those who do not want to learn, come to classes with excuses as to why they have no book, nothing to write on and nothing to write with.  They have no questions because they didn't pay attention to the assignment they needed to read.  They had to work late, they didn't get any sleep because the baby kept them up, the dog was stolen, their car wouldn't start, their live-in beat them up, they didn't have breakfast, and this list could go on and on.  They are observers, not participants.

Imagine the frustration felt I feel and I'm sure other educators feel when they have a room full of observers instead of participants. Imagine the frustration the President feels when elected politicians are observers of the problems, not participants in the solution. Then imagine the frustration that God must feel when we are observers of life instead of participants. 

We go through the motions, accepting every whim and doctrine that blows our way, never questioning anything, never reading the bible, never participating in anything remotely spiritual and yet always expecting something miraculous to happen. 

When the disciples saw Jesus praying, they didn't feel comfortable in praying themselves (especially after Jesus berated those who pray for attention) so they asked Him to teach them and He did. Whatever we ask of the Father in His name, we will have, if we have faith and doubt not.

When we struggle through life constantly making mistakes and never really understanding what we should be doing in order to have the abundant life He promises, are we asking Him to teach us how to have it?

Father, in the name of Jesus, Teach me, O Lord, how to live a life that is pleasing to You that I may receive all of Your promises and be a blessing to others all the days of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!