Hands-On Learning

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) 
 
My six-year-old son, Owen, was thrilled to receive a new board game. But after a half hour reading the rules, he was frustrated. He couldn’t quite figure out how it worked. It wasn’t until later, when a friend came over who already knew how to play, that Owen finally got to enjoy his present. 
 
Watching them play, I was reminded of how much easier it is to learn something new if you have an experienced teacher. When we’re learning, reading the instructions helps, but having a friend who can demonstrate makes a huge difference. 
 
The apostle Paul understood this too. Writing to Titus about how he could help his church grow in faith, Paul emphasized the value of experienced believers who could model Christian faith. Of course teaching “sound doctrine” was important, but it didn’t just need to be talked about—it needed to be lived out. Paul wrote that older men and women ought to be self-controlled, kind, and loving (Titus 2:2–5). “In all things,” he said, “shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” (v. 7). 
 
I’m thankful for solid teaching, but I’m also thankful for the many people who have been hands-on teachers. They’ve shown me by their lives what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ and have made it easier for me to see how I can walk that path too. 
 
What lessons have you learned from those who have taught you about living for Jesus by their words and actions? What are others seeing as they view your faith in action? 
 
God, Thank You for graciously giving us mentors who can show us by example how to live for You, and thank You for giving us Your Son, the only perfect model of faith. Amen.  
 
As I read this devotion it caused me to reflect on my life and the many people who have influenced my life for the good, some have gone on to be with The Lord, some have moved on, but God has blessed me with mentors who still have a huge impact on my life, they are perfect models of faith and I am forever grateful. They are now mentoring my children, I am blessed. I pray as others view me and my life that they see faith in action, that I may make an impact and influence there lives for the good. I also pray after reading this devotion you ask yourself that very question, what are others seeing as they view your faith in action? 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Exodus 14:14