Emily Rachel and I recently attended Let’s Start Talking’s Basic Training. We hope to do some similar-type activities while we are in Japan this summer, so it seemed like a good chance for a refresher. We used the Let’s Start Talking materials years ago during our short-term mission campaign in college, so the chance to dust off some creaky corners of my brain was much appreciated.
One of the guiding principles in the LST program is to allow God’s Word to be the ultimate teacher. In fact, they discourage the use of the term ‘teacher’ at all. We are simply ‘workers’ who invite ‘readers’ to spend time building relationships. It’s the Word of God itself which will do the teaching. The LST program words it this way: The Word is the teacher, we are the illustration. I can appreciate the simplicity.
It truly is powerful, though, to think of it this way. In one sense, it takes all of the pressure off of us. It’s no longer up to us to ensure that someone else gets everything right. To be sure, we are a part of that process, but ultimately it is God’s responsibility. Through God’s Spirit, readers may come to know about His love, grace, and mercy. Through the timeless truths of His Word, they will encounter God’s message of Hope and Good News! Readers simply have to reach for it and read with an open heart.
In another sense, though, being the illustration instead of the teacher requires a much deeper sense of commitment. As a teacher, one can merely deliver great instruction. Living as an illustration means that each part of our lives must line up with the teachings we claim to illustrate. No one will do this perfectly. We fail time and again to properly illustrate the teachings of Jesus. It is important that we are transparent about these times.
But oh, what a powerful testimony being the illustration is. When someone reads the teachings of Jesus in scripture, their heart will be convicted. When they see those same teachings applied in our lives, they will be inspired to give it a go themselves. May our lives be ever-closer to an image which shows off God’s love and mercy! I pray that you draw encouragement from the Word, and that you strive to make your life an illustration of it’s truth.
~ Clay
Fowlers in Japan 