Seeking Diverse Teachers

“After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2.46 NIV).

The Holy Spirit is our supreme teacher, and He will bring many teachers into our path. Jesus is our example. He was found among the teachers listening and asking questions at a young age. If we are struggling, confused or just feeling stuck, God wants to open our understanding with His wisdom and revelation. He does this through the counsel of others.

Sometimes, we get fixated on just one or two teachers. We absorb all their words. We feel a deep connection with them. We read their books. Listen to their Podcasts. And share their posts on social media. However, God’s revelation is only shown in part to each of us. Limiting the number of teachers we study under, limits a fuller revelation of God and His plan in the world and our lives.

“We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled” (1 Corinthians 13.9 MSG).

Just like the full revelation of the Bible had many authors (around 40 writers in all), we want our lives to have this fullness of advisors. If we feel like our spiritual life is lagging or if we have lost some of our spiritual luster, we may need to seek fresh revelation. Yes, the Holy Spirit wants to teach directly to each of us, and He will as we read His Word and listen to His voice.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1.5 NLT).

However, there are people in this world who have unique experiences, designs and cultures, and they experience God in different and profound ways. When we find teachers who offer us diverse revelations, our “portion of truth” becomes deeper and richer. We can read their books, listen to their words and expose ourselves to their instruction. Once we are sure they profess the Trinity and salvation by faith through Christ, we can openly learn from them. Their revelation added to our own will create a dynamic, strong faith that when tested, will come out as gold.

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1.7 NLT).

If you want more faithful revelations, you can check out my Nonfiction Book Trailers. All of them express a desire to know God and His plan more.