Rochester Cathedral
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Psalm 25:4-5 NLT
When I talk with school teachers, they tell me that the critical element in maintaining classroom order and a safe and effective learning environment is discipline. The challenge presented to the teacher is to keep the class on track so that the curriculum is effectively covered, and the students are prepared for exams. Teachers have three tools at their disposal: prevention, support and correction. The skill is to determine which tool to use with individual students.
When my daughter was at school, some teachers pointed out where she might improve by identifying where they were disappointed in her performance. I would explain that she was wired to respond to encouragement. Those teachers who first spoke of what she did well and identified how she might improve further saw her respond positively.
Just as in our school life we needed to put aside distractions, concentrate and work hard to master certain material, so it is within God’s kingdom school. God utilises all three discipline methods in managing my learning. But he cannot get me to where I need or want to be without my active concentration. God guides me away from what will prevent my development, supports me in difficult seasons of life learning and will correct me.
Hence, the psalmist declares that he needs to know God’s ways, acknowledging there are times when we must yield to enforcement if we have chosen to deepen our learning and therefore our kingdom practice. Initial belief in Jesus is wonderful, but is not what living the Christian life consists of. Listening to God, finding his way, then deciding to live it are the essence of daily Christian life and all part of the maturing process.
QUESTION
How hungry are you for learning the way of the kingdom?
PRAYER
Show me the path of your choosing, Lord, and help me to walk in it.
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