Online Archives

BY KAREN WEAVER

Lectionary readings:
Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46

As a child, I set up at least two rows of chairs in our family?s basement in order to teach my dolls. Four to five well-dressed dolls would sit in various places on the two rows. If I was having a really good day, my younger brother would occupy one of those chairs.

It was always nice to have a breathing student to liven up the class. It created a different energy and made the experience even more enjoyable. My dad had turned a section of our basement wall into a large blackboard. With chalk in hand, I would teach the time away.

I loved being a student and always longed to be a teacher. My love of teaching comes from my love of learning. For me, the two go hand-in-hand.

Even though I?ve never taught in the public school system, my love of teaching was satisfied. I?ve taught at a community college, served as a trainer and facilitator in the public sector and taught various age groups in Sunday school.

As I reflected on the Ephesians passage, I was reminded of my love for teaching and learning. However, in all the classes that I?ve ever taken or taught, nothing can compare to the 'spirit of wisdom and revelation' that Paul mentioned in his letter. This spirit may be given only as we come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. It?s all about our relationship with the Lord.

Certainly, we should read the Bible on a daily basis, but it will take more than reading the Bible to develop a relationship with God. I was also struck by the fact that this 'spirit of wisdom and revelation' can enlighten the eyes of our heart. It is through this enlightenment that we come to know more about 'the hope to which he has called us, his riches and his power.' This takes learning to a whole new level.

Today, it?s hard to believe that I put so much energy into teaching dolls. Fortunately, I probably reinforced some of my own learning through teaching. However, it is not learning that I now seek, but it is the spirit of wisdom. As a believer, I am thankful to have the opportunity to seek this wisdom and to be in relationship with the Lord.

This wisdom is more than anything we can read in a book, learn in a class or even teach. This wisdom is deeper than learning, because it nurtures the very depths of our beings. I believe that it is through this wisdom and revelation that we find our purpose in life and that we are able to navigate the journey of life through faith. How can we not benefit from knowing what we have in Christ?

If this wisdom comes from being in relationship with the Lord, then it goes without saying that we need to be in right relationship with our brothers and sisters as well.

So, where do we go from here? It certainly doesn?t mean we should give up all desires to be involved in higher education or teaching. For me though, it means that I need to spend more time seeking wisdom over learning, and more importantly, more time with the Lord.

Karen Weaver is a probationary deacon. She works at Living Springs UMC as a counselor for the General Board of Church and Society.