Who are the teachers in my life right now?
Meet the teacher. The one whose words are recorded in the Book of Ecclesiastes.
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem… Ecclesiastes 1:1
I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 1:12-13
It sounds a lot like Solomon, doesn’t it? Son of David. King of Jerusalem. Filled with wisdom.
And yet the Bible scholars do not attribute this book to Solomon. If it is Solomon, why doesn’t he name himself as the author? We don’t know if this is Solomon wanting to keep his identity hidden or someone else wanting his writing to be seen in the same league as Solomon’s.
We do know this. This teacher is right to remain anonymous. His teachings are subversive. They undermine every belief that people’s lives are built on. These teachings sow seeds of doubt and confusion. They ask the deepest of questions. His thoughts are uncomfortable and scary.
This book is like the original Alpha course, for it truly explores the meaning of life. By asking all the questions that we are too scared to ask. By not providing the answers, certainly not initially, but unpacking all the questions that any individual can be seen battling with in their everyday life.
But before we dive right in, let’s consider the role of teacher.
Who takes on the role of teacher in our lives? Who do we allow to speak into our lives?
A teacher, lecturer or professor…
A coach, instructor or trainer…
A respected relative or friend…
A church leader, spiritual director or guru…
A counsellor, therapist or doctor…
A motivational speaker or preacher…
A particular writer…
What a privileged role that is! These are people we are trusting with our lives. Trusting to lead us in the right direction. To teach us correctly. Entrusting our bodies, minds and souls to them.
Choosing and trusting the right teachers is therefore really important. We have to be sure that the people we are listening to are really worth listening to. We have to be discerning. Not drawn in by clever words or feelgood mantras. Any good teaching has to challenge us and move us on. Safely. In the right direction.
And if we play the role of teacher and are speaking into anyone’s life, then we have to take that seriously. We have to realise what a privilege that is.
TO DO: Write a list of all those taking on the role of teacher in your life right now. Thank God for each one of them individually as you reflect on their role in your life. Ask God to confirm that these are the right people to be speaking into your life right now.
