It was one of those teachable moments. You know the kind; where the teacher shows up in the spontaneity of the moment and everyone “gets it.” We were going over the elements of the Lord’s Supper for the children’s moment. What do the bread and the cup of juice represent? “Skin and blood,” was the child’s answer. We all suddenly learned an amazing truth. It was a teachable moment. God, through Jesus, was real. He had skin and blood. He loved us that much.
I’ve begun to have concerns about “teaching for the test.” Tests teach one thing—there is but one right answer to every question. So students want to please by trying to discern the “right” answer that a teacher wants to hear. That’s why children tend to respond with “Jesus” to every question a Baptist preacher asks about God. Most of the school teachers I know understand the place of tests, but dislike being required to teach to mandatory tests that may unduly shape a student’s life and self-respect. In real life there are many answers to every question. But absolute answers, without exceptions, seem to be what is to be expected.
Absolutes are easier to grade and judge. You either get right or you are wrong. Getting it wrong too often means you are a failure. Being a failure means you just don’t get it. If you can’t get it, then what is the point of school? If there is no point to school, because you are a failure, why try at anything else? If you believe you have no future you do not have a dream for your life. Without a dream, you perish. Do you know anyone who has no dream for the rest of their life? Are they boxed-in, with no “right answers” about tomorrow? I suggest we “teach for the life.” Help others find their dream.
Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Put some skin in your relationships. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.