Learning Posture Throughout Life
What does it look like to be a lifelong learner? What does it look like to be a “life learner” even when life is “life-ing”?
I am committed to remaining a student throughout my missional journey (life). This means approaching every context, culture, and challenge with humility and openness to what God is already doing. What do I mean by “what God is already doing?” The Father is always working (John 5:17), which means learning to see what He’s doing is itself an act of faithfulness. My theological foundation for this value is recognizing that God continues to speak and work in ways that often surprise us, requiring constant attentiveness and adaptability. Even Jesus “increased in wisdom” (Luke 2:52), demonstrating that growth is integral to faithful mission. Having experienced significant shifts in my own understanding through my M.Div journey, I commit to ongoing theological reflection rather than static certainty.
A popular Christian prayer (song) says, “Even when I can’t see it you’re working…you never stop, you never stop working…” Learning for the rest of my life means remaining faithful and continually asking the question, “What is Yah up to in the world today?” That excites me. It keeps me on my toes. It fans into flames the curiosity in me. I’m learning that when I have this posture, I am more open to new ideas, places, and people. I have met some incredible people because I was simply curious about them. Viewing the world as a “student” has brought a lot of joy to me over these last few years. As a follower of Christ, I have used Luke 2:52 as an anchor text to remind me that if the Son of the Most High can “increase in Wisdom” and embrace growth in his humanity, how much more do I need to maintain this posture?
An example of change that occurred during seminary was an “offline” conversation I had with one of my professors. My assumptions about being a part of the “One True Church” were shattered when I realized this person believed what I believed about Sanctification, yet they attended a different congregation with other “beliefs” that I disagreed with. Another learning moment was when two professors were having a discussion about Genesis 1 & 2. The conversation centered around whether Adam and Eve were two literal people, or was that part of the creation narrative poetic/symbolic? The conversation with the two professors challenged me because they both are intelligent people, and I respect them. Yet, these two people had different opinions on the same subject matter. They communicated with one another amicably, and we finished our lunch peacefully.
I am currently enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks. There are many lessons I’ve learned, some of which have been difficult. All the lessons have been great for my personal growth. In all the transitions and difficulties, I have been reminded that Jesus is Lord, and that when *stuff* hits the fan in life, all I can control is my response to them. One transition in particular had me questioning everything I thought I knew about calling. What it taught me about surrender I couldn’t have learned any other way.
But the weightiest “teachers” in my life have not given me a syllabus or prepared me for the tests that they naturally give me. These teachers are my two children. You read that correctly. My children are my teachers. They’re teaching patience. They’re teaching me how to love unconditionally. They’re teaching me how to communicate when I am tired. My son asked me to teach him how to “run track and play football.” Well, I have had the privilege of being reminded that he is SIX YEARS OLD, Titus! He won’t jump rope like you, run like you, or “get it right” the first time. My lack of patience for my son got exposed while I was attempting to teach him. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. My children are my teachers. They are teaching me how…to fully be human.
· What if the season you’re trying to escape is actually the classroom God is using to form you?
· What lesson keeps showing up in your life?
· Are you approaching life as an expert, or as a student?
Peace