Learning by Doing
“…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:11-12)
Paul the apostle had been raised a strict Jew, a Pharisee. Before his conversion to Christ, he made a career of persecuting Christians: “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,” (Acts 9:1) Yet one day, as Saul was enroute to Damascus to arrest Christians, the Lord Jesus dealt with his heart and he was wonderfully converted to faith in Christ.
After his conversion, Paul used his Scripture knowledge to share Christ: “And Paul, as his manner was,…reasoned with them OUT OF THE SCRIPTURES,” “And he [Paul] continued there [in Corinth] a year and six months, teaching THE WORD OF GOD among them.” (Acts 17:2, 18:11, capitals added)
Paul had good and bad experiences as a preacher of the gospel and a missionary. Some people listened to him. Some didn’t. Some loved him. Some didn’t. He knew Scripture, but he also learned by experience the ups and downs of ministry. Scripture is always the best teacher, but even the Scripture itself tells us that there is no teacher like experience.
Police work is like that. You learn police work by doing it. Take traffic stops. Some say police shouldn’t pull over vehicles for “minor” violations. To prohibit police like that is a bad idea. It gives violators, who may also be criminals, a free pass. It also deprives police of a chance to find probable cause for more serious violations. The guy with the expired plate may also be conveying drugs or enroute to a robbery.
Police also need to learn to deal with people and use discretion. A violator has coveralls, work boots, a hard hat, and a lunch pail. And a valid license. It’s 7:45 am. Cite or warn? Traffic enforcement can also be dangerous. Criminals use and steal vehicles. Police are on the job to deal with dangerous people on behalf of citizens. That’s why they need to do traffic work, even if it’s tense and sometimes dangerous. Traffic work is not harassment, as some may say. It’s important police work that officers learn by doing.
Likewise, being a Christian is about learning by doing. You don’t just read or hear what the Bible says, but you do what it says. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) If you have received Jesus as Saviour, you know that was the best decision you ever made. You made that decision because someone told you about Jesus. SOMEONE OBEYED JESUS AND DID WHAT HE SAID TO DO. Now that you know Jesus as Saviour, go out and do the same.
Philippians 1:27 says, “Only let your conversation [your everyday life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:” You’re not being holier-than-thou when you watch your language and habits, tune out gossip, and avoid the bars and casinos. You’re obeying Christ. If you’re a leader, you’re not being obstructionist or difficult when you won’t go along with ungodly legislation. You’re obeying Christ.
People may not always like it when you strive to live for Christ, and it isn’t always easy. Yet the Lord is pleased, and as our verse says, Jesus Himself promises to give you strength to do it, as He did Paul.
If you want to see how to have eternal life by receiving Jesus, God the Son, as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 4/26/2023
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822