My kids went back to school this week. While they have lots to learn about language, math, science, and social studies, I hope they learn more than rote facts and mindless regurgitation. What I want more than good grades and completed sticker charts is for them to develop curiosity about the world and how it works. I want them to search for deeper understanding and meaning, to go beyond the surface. Because we live in a world where so much of the truth lies below the surface, where we have to dig deep to understand what’s really happening, what’s really at stake. And those are skills they’ll need for a lifetime.
We’re all created to be life-long learners. We’re created not just to know about God, but to know God. And He is a very good teacher. Even those who opposed Jesus called Him “Good Teacher.” We might not understand His teaching methods, but He never leaves us guessing what outcomes He is looking for.
The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding. He doesn’t thresh all his crops the same way. A heavy sledge is never used on dill; rather, it is beaten with a light stick. A threshing wheel is never rolled on cumin; instead, it is beaten softly with a flail. Bread grain is easily crushed, so he doesn’t keep on pounding it. He threshes it under the wheels of a cart, but he doesn’t pulverize it. The Lord Almighty is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom. Isaiah 28:26-29
If God can show the farmer the best way to treat each crop, doesn’t it follow that He knows the best way to care for each of us? God is a wonderful teacher. He tailors His lessons to the student and He keeps going over the material until we master it. He always first presents the lesson in a way that’s gentle, easy to learn. The gentlest lessons are the ones we learn from the Book. The Bible clearly spells out God’s instructions on the best way to live our life. It’s full of object lessons that show us both the right way to live and the consequences that come from ignoring the Teacher.
What happens when we don’t learn the Book’s gentle lessons? Then the wise Teacher takes a new approach. These are the lessons we learn in the school of hard knocks, and often they hurt. This is why the Bible cautions us, “Don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12). We generally think of punishment when we hear the word discipline, but a better definition is training that corrects, molds, or perfects. This is what God is doing when He disciplines us – training us, teaching us those lessons we didn’t learn the first time.
God’s discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:10-11
God is the starting point and essence of wisdom. He is the foundation of all knowledge and understanding. He is a good teacher and His lessons lead to life.
My father told me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live.” Proverbs 4:4