23 January 2017
Grouchy Teachers
James 1:5
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
When I read this passage, I see many wonderful facts about God right off the bat:
1. He is full of wisdom.
2. He shares.
3. He is generous. (This goes beyond sharing the minimum; it’s lavish.)
4. He doesn’t make fun of us for needing stuff.
5. These are the actions of someone who is very kind.
School just started up again after a nice, long Christmas break. This Bible verse makes me think of school and all the times I did NOT ask a question. We could figure our teachers’ personalities quickly enough and knew when asking questions would be accompanied by the hassle of, “Weren’t you listening?” and, “You should know that already,” or whatever crabby remark they had stored up. We don’t want to hear it, we don’t enjoy temporary humiliation, so we don’t ask too many questions, do we?
God is not a cranky, underpaid, underappreciated, over-sensitive school teacher who explodes. He is always kind; we don’t wait for him to be in a good mood – he IS a good mood. Personal experience has shown me that it doesn’t bother him when I ask him things, and he also will gladly answer the same questions over and over again without rubbing my nose in it.
Well, what does that look like since spiritual matters are invisible? It all takes place in my heart. I do not feel shame or rebuke for asking God stuff. I get answers wrapped in peace and confirmation. If he wanted to make me feel stupid for asking, I’d get no answers or answers with contingencies wrapped in guilt, shame, and uncertainty.
Psalm 25:3-5
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. 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.
But the fact is, I have never felt stupid for praying about something. So, I am free to ask him about anything. Being treated this way can also affect how I answer others. Why not just simply tell someone something twice or answer them even if they should already know it. What’s the harm? They wouldn’t ask if they knew; why make someone feel awkward and shamed for just asking a question and seeking clarification? The Lord doesn't even lord, so why should I? I had teachers that treated me that way, and I couldn’t wait to get out of their class. I don’t want the people in my life to feel that way about me, and I am so thankful that God has never given me the opportunity to feel that way about him!!!
Philippians 3:1
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again.
Dear God,
I pray for me not to get caught up in human hypersensitivity and simply answer people plainly and full of generosity and kindness just like you do for me. It is not trouble. I thank you for never having a reason to regret a single prayer or a single time I put all my hope and trust in you. Thank you for not being a grouchy school teacher. I love you and praise you for all the good things you are, and I pray in Jesus’ name according to your good will, amen.
Grouchy Teachers
James 1:5
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
When I read this passage, I see many wonderful facts about God right off the bat:
1. He is full of wisdom.
2. He shares.
3. He is generous. (This goes beyond sharing the minimum; it’s lavish.)
4. He doesn’t make fun of us for needing stuff.
5. These are the actions of someone who is very kind.
School just started up again after a nice, long Christmas break. This Bible verse makes me think of school and all the times I did NOT ask a question. We could figure our teachers’ personalities quickly enough and knew when asking questions would be accompanied by the hassle of, “Weren’t you listening?” and, “You should know that already,” or whatever crabby remark they had stored up. We don’t want to hear it, we don’t enjoy temporary humiliation, so we don’t ask too many questions, do we?
God is not a cranky, underpaid, underappreciated, over-sensitive school teacher who explodes. He is always kind; we don’t wait for him to be in a good mood – he IS a good mood. Personal experience has shown me that it doesn’t bother him when I ask him things, and he also will gladly answer the same questions over and over again without rubbing my nose in it.
Well, what does that look like since spiritual matters are invisible? It all takes place in my heart. I do not feel shame or rebuke for asking God stuff. I get answers wrapped in peace and confirmation. If he wanted to make me feel stupid for asking, I’d get no answers or answers with contingencies wrapped in guilt, shame, and uncertainty.
Psalm 25:3-5
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. 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.
But the fact is, I have never felt stupid for praying about something. So, I am free to ask him about anything. Being treated this way can also affect how I answer others. Why not just simply tell someone something twice or answer them even if they should already know it. What’s the harm? They wouldn’t ask if they knew; why make someone feel awkward and shamed for just asking a question and seeking clarification? The Lord doesn't even lord, so why should I? I had teachers that treated me that way, and I couldn’t wait to get out of their class. I don’t want the people in my life to feel that way about me, and I am so thankful that God has never given me the opportunity to feel that way about him!!!
Philippians 3:1
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again.
Dear God,
I pray for me not to get caught up in human hypersensitivity and simply answer people plainly and full of generosity and kindness just like you do for me. It is not trouble. I thank you for never having a reason to regret a single prayer or a single time I put all my hope and trust in you. Thank you for not being a grouchy school teacher. I love you and praise you for all the good things you are, and I pray in Jesus’ name according to your good will, amen.
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