I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.  Psalm 119:93

If you could choose one of the following two teachers, who would it be?  The topic they’ve been given to cover is ~ THE COMFORTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

#1. The first teacher does a word study on ‘comfort.  He cross references well and takes you to many passages and stories where God creatively comforted His children.  It’s obvious he has a grasp of the topic and is out to share information with those who will listen.  The handouts he provides are extensive.

#2. The second teacher speaks briefly about the text.  He, too, defines ‘comfort’ and references some related passages.  Then, thoughtfully, he begins to reminisce and speak of a time when he was in desperate need of comfort and companionship.  It was not to be found.  He was alone in a world of family and friends and wondered how he could make it one more day in his sense of isolation.  He pressed into God and experienced the comforting work of the Spirit firsthand.

The first teacher works hard at his faith but it’s mostly cerebral.  Like a graduating senior who tries to remember calculus formulas so he can ace his freshman math course in college, this bible scholar files away biblical facts.  He approaches the bible like a textbook to be mastered.  His knowledge of God is based mostly on what he has read, not on what he has experienced.

The second teacher is not so much aware that he is a student as much as he is a disciple of one he loves dearly.  Life’s experiences brought him to the end of himself and his great need of a Savior ushered him into a relationship with Jesus. As he told the story, you were unaware of time and the weight of his words fell on your heart.

How much easier to remember God’s precepts when they have been woven into the cement of our experiences.  When the Word has been life-saving, it is not soon forgotten.

 Help me teach others through the storylines of my life.  Amen