Philemon 1:6 (NASB) and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
One of the most intelligent persons I have ever met, was Dr. Dawny Steadman. She was my forensic anthropology professor at Iowa State. She was a world renown expert in her field, but so are a number of others, in their respective fields, that I’ve known. However, most of them would not get the same characterization from me. Why? In my mind, what was it about Dr. Steadman that makes me praise her intelligence above so many?
Firstly, she was a brilliant scientist. She obviously had a firm grasp of her particular discipline. I’m sure she studied very hard to gain that understanding. If I had to speculate, though, I would say she leapt ahead of her peers when she began to teach. She was a remarkable teacher. She had an ability to convey complex ideas, methods and determinations in a way that a non-anthropology major, such as myself, could understand. Also, in the process of teaching others, you could see her own understanding of the material growing and solidifying.
In my own life, I hold this concept to be true. The more I teach on a subject, the more I want to learn. The more I show and share what I know with others, the more refined and complete my own knowledge and understanding becomes. This is very evident in my working life. The more I share knowledge of Harley Davidson with others, the greater my own understanding. My personal growth and development in the world of archery has grown exponentially faster since opening the shop in 2013. Daily, I’m given opportunities to have my knowledge tested, to share, teach others what I know. Every time I do, I learn something new, my understanding is refined and solidified a little more.
This has certainly been true in my relationship and walk with Jesus Christ. Since being given the opportunity to share with all of you, through this forum, I’ve grown exponentially. This limb of the tree of ministry God has placed me on, required a stricter accountability. It forced me into deeper study than I had been engaged in. It forces me to be more observant, obedient and dedicated. I’m much more focused and thoughtful when I’m trying to discern what God wants me to learn, so that I might properly convey His message to whomever He directs as an audience.
The refining and teaching the Holy Spirit has accomplished in me, through me, has allowed Him to move me to yet the next rung of the ladder of the plan He has for my life, preaching. In the two instances in which I was called upon to deliver a Sunday sermon, I honestly believe I walked away learning as much or more than the people hearing it. Teaching, sharing, fellowship, a POWERFUL tool, used by God for our own learning. Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
