Friday, July 11, 2008

Value In the Process of Preparing

Almost weekly I'm asked "Do you have a lesson on ____ that I can use?" Sermon collections abound, and we're awash in pre-made lessons and video teaching series. There is "lesson maker" and "sermon creator" software available. All of this promises the microwave, instant end-product, practically-no-work-on-your-part result.

Don't shortchange yourself or your students. You're better than this. The Lord wants more, much more, for you and for those whom you teach.

The process of wrestling with the Word and praying for your students is good time with the Lord, very good time. "Shortcutting this" denies you the learning and growth opportunity! Crafting a lesson and working it over and over changes you, dear teacher, and helps incorporate the lesson into your life.

And, except for lessons which require special knowledge that you may not have (e.g., a video presentation on the geography and architecture of the Temple of Diana), I am firmly convinced that God will deliver precisely what His children need at this time through the lesson that you and He create together. This is spiritual work.

Yes, it is more work. Yes, it will take more time. The process is beneficial, and the result authentic. Teach to change lives!

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