Student and teacher

Proverbs 4:1-2  "Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.  I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching."

These words could just as easily come from our father to us, or from us to our sons/children.  The Christian life casts all of us in the dual roles of disciple and discipler, student and teacher.  We seek wisdom for our own sake, to live a life that is pleasing and glorifying to God.

Seeking wisdom, however, is not a purely selfish pursuit.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  Those who pursue and gain wisdom have a dual responsibility to use it and pass it on.  It is sometimes easier to see ourselves in the role of student, seeking only to acquire wisdom. 

Many of us can't see ourselves in the role of teacher.  The most common reason is because we think we don't know enough to teach someone else.  This feeling can stem from humility (real or fake) or fear.  Regardless of the feelings, we are commanded to serve in this capacity, to pass along what we do know while God continues to teach us more.

Knowing everything is not a prerequisite to teaching.  We will never cease being a student, so we can't put off being a teacher.