But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 (ESV)
My Favorite Teacher
I had an awesome fourth grade teacher. Mrs. Long was like an extra grandma to me. If fact, I sometimes called her Nana Long. She was an amazing teacher. My class never doubted that she loved us. Even more, we never doubted that she liked us. Nana Long read great books to us. She challenged us to do our best in our studies and in our treatment of one another, complementing kindness as often as she did intellect. Learning came alive with classroom projects and weekly mock debates that Mrs. Long planned. She built a camaraderie in the classroom that made us all feel like a team. Fourth grade was a fun school year because I had the best teacher.
I was blessed with many great teachers throughout elementary, middle school, and high school. Mrs. McLemore, Mrs. Lichey, Mr. McCartney, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Keith, Mrs. McBride, Mr. Perryman, and more… My favorite teachers had several things in common.
Things My Favorite Teachers Had in Common:
1. I learned a lot about the subjects they taught, about myself, and about life from them.
2. I was inspired by their knowledge and experience.
3. I was challenged to be the best I could be and encouraged when I did well.
Now I am the teacher. Sometimes, I wish I was back in school with someone else in charge. A favorite teacher to guide me.
Then, I am reminded that I have an awesome teacher.
My Favorite Teacher Now
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit has all the qualities that my favorite teachers had, and then some.
The Holy Spirit:
1. Instructs me in specific things and in how to live life in general. He reveals things about me that I haven’t even realized.
2. Is all-knowing, wisdom itself.
For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. John 14:10b-13 (ESV)
3. Challenges us, correcting us when we are wrong and encouraging us when we are on the right path.
And when he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment John 16:8 (ESV)
These three things mirror the ones I noticed about my favorite teachers. Isn’t it cool that I still have a favorite teacher with me all the time?
As soon as I ask, He can give me the wisdom I need, answer a question, correct my problematic thinking, guide me through a difficult decision process, and more. Now that is a great teacher!
Action Step:
Who were your favorite teachers? (I’d love for you to comment below and let me know!) What made them your favorites? How were they like the Holy Spirit?
Are you taking advantage of the best teacher you have ever had? The Holy Spirit wants to be your teacher and your helper everyday. Let’s choose to draw on His wisdom and help in our daily lives.
We can talk to Him. Ask Him for help. And learn from His instruction,
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit who knows all things to be our Teacher and Helper. We are so grateful to have a favorite teacher with us all the time. Help us to remember that we don’t have to do it all on our own. We don’t have to know everything. Remind us to ask for wisdom and instruction from our Teacher. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Sweet Amanda, this was AWESOME and so encouraging! Thank you for your leadership that continues to include me!