I recently sat down to look through one of the Pilot’s Logbooks that I had filled in during my flying career. These books (similar to a journal) record various categories of flight time that contribute to a pilot’s “total flight time.” These include, but are not limited to, flight instruction that is received in ground school (classroom instruction), flight simulator instruction, and airplane instruction.
As I looked over the dates, times, and locations on those pages, my thoughts ran deeper than the mere facts and figures. I recalled the fifty-plus flight instructors who taught me both academically and practically what I needed to know about flying an airplane. These men and women were passionate professionals who imparted wisdom that would, throughout my entire career, guide my decisions and actions within the cockpit.
In moments of reflection like these, my heart fills with gratitude for their instruction and their example.
Yet when I consider my vocational instructors, I am also reminded of those men and women who have impacted my life in the spiritual realm. I rejoice that I can join the psalmist who said, in Psalm 61:5 (NKJV), “You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.”
Spiritual instruction happens both inside and outside the home. For example, I received wonderful instruction from my godly grandparents, parents, and family members through their example, exhortation, and guidance. Preachers and teachers were also used by God to instruct me in His Word. Christian businesspeople, such as doctors, school teachers, and other believers, played vital roles in my spiritual instruction as they ministered to me in specific ways in various seasons of my life.
No matter who the instructor was, his or her constructive criticism, encouragement, and guidance helped me to stay on course spiritually.
God’s Word is full of these kinds of instructors and helpers. To name just a few, there was Moses, who was an example for Joshua; Elijah, who instructed Elisha; and Naomi, who taught Ruth. In addition to Paul’s teaching, Timothy also received instruction from his mother (Eunice) and his grandmother (Lois).
In the process of recalling those who have helped me in my walk of faith, I had to ask myself, “Who am I guiding and instructing spiritually?”
In this season of my life, I again pray the prayer of a psalmist. This time my prayer is: “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:18, NKJV).
But don’t wait until you’re “old and grayheaded” to think that you can instruct others in the ways of the Lord. My mother-in-law often quotes an unknown source with this reminder: “Each of us is older than someone.” So look around you. Find someone to whom you can be an example, a mentor, an instructor, because, as another oft-quoted saying goes, “To teach is to touch a life forever.”
______________________________________________________
Would you like to receive these posts in your Inbox? We won’t spam you!
You will only receive e-mails from us when a new post appears on the blog. Click here to subscribe.