Prof. Anton van Niekerk was my Philosophy lecturer in my first year. He had an incredible gift for teaching others. I still remember his classes to this day. There was one particular class where he explained the value of a chair. 

The chair has no value if someone does not sit on it, but as soon as someone sits on it, it has value for that person. Gesturing with his hands and speaking with his whole body, he was out of breath after his explanation. The whole class spontaneously gave him a standing ovation. 

His classes were packed every time. He never took roll call because everyone who was enrolled in his course wanted to be there. Interestingly, the bad lecturers always took roll call. Clearly, it wasn’t their teaching that brought students to class. They relied on attendance sheets to force student participation. 

Once students enter the real world, they quickly realize that their education is far from complete. At work, you’re basically in school full-time for about three years, learning how things actually work. 

One never stops learning. Now and then a new development or new piece of technology appears that pushes the workplace in a completely different direction. Then it’s time to become a student again. 

I’ve noticed that the older one gets, the more difficult it becomes to learn new things. They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Yes, I also don’t feel like learning new things anymore. 

Fortunately, we also have a lecturer for our spiritual life. You see, when we accepted Jesus as our Saviour, we were babies in the faith. We did not know how we should live as children of God. 

We couldn’t continue with our old way of life. That way suits the old person. We must get rid of our old clothes and put on new clothes that match our new life in Christ. 

For that, we have the Holy Spirit as lecturer. 

27… Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. 

The Holy Spirit knows the path we must walk. He wants to teach us to make the right choices in all circumstances to stay on the path of truth. 

He knows which turns will bring pain and which will bring joy. He knows the right way we should live to make God proud of us. And He wants to teach us how to do this. 

The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting for us. The Holy Spirit is like my Philosophy lecturer and His classes are very interesting. He doesn’t have to take roll call. You just have to show up and be ready to learn. 

Make time. Make an appointment every day. Find a place for yourself where you can be quiet. Read God’s Word and wait for the Holy Spirit to start teaching.  

Scripture
1 John 2:24-29 

Reflection
Do you know the Holy Spirit as a lecturer?
What can you do to give your lecturer more space in your life?
Are you ready to show up for His teaching? 

Prayer
Father, thank you for a lecturer to teach me. Help me make time to attend class every day. Help me to apply His teachings in my life. Amen.