Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtMrs. Bennett was known by her educational peers and throughout the town not only for her vast knowledge and wisdom but also for her ability to inspire her students to think deeply, live wisely, and become leaders. She was simply an outstanding teacher. So much so that the school found a way for her to teach one class for the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades so that the students would be able to experience her wisdom and influence throughout each year of high school.One morning, Mrs. Bennett gave her 10th-grade class an important assignment. She told her students, One month from today, I will give you and assignment. "You have one week to complete a project on a topic of your choice. I want you to see this assignment as an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow." One of the students raised their hand and asked, "If the assignment is not until a month from now, why did you tell us today?" Mrs. Bennet replied, "If I had not told you until the day the assignment started, many, if not most, of you would have complained that you didn't have enough time. The truth is, the majority of students work out their assignments at the last possible moment they can and seldom give their best effort. That is not okay in my class. If I would have assigned it today and given you a month to do it, most of you wouldn't have even thought about it until the final week. That is a bad practice I hope to help you rid yourself of. And so, you've been notified. I encourage you to use the time you have to seriously think about it. You can start early if you'd like extra time to get ahead of it and I want you to know that this early notification is a gift. I hope you'll all learn that lesson and take advantage of it. If not, you know that this assignment will come one month from today!"
In the classroom, there were two students who approached the assignment in very different ways. The first student, Emma, was eager to learn. She spent hours in the library, reading books and researching. She asked questions and sought advice from Mrs. Bennett, but she always made sure to draw her own conclusions. Emma understood that true wisdom came from diligent effort and critical thinking.The second student, Jack, was less enthusiastic about the assignment. He wasn't going to even think about it until the week it was due, and even then, he figured he'd just get it done quickly, so his plan was to wait to see what others were doing and so something similar to make a quick work of it. Jack believed that as long as he completed the project, it didn't matter how he did it. He didn't care about truly understanding the reasoning for this kind of project and the benefits it would provide in his future.When the week was over, Mrs. Bennett reviewed the projects. Emma's project was filled with original ideas and insights. She had not only completed the assignment but had also grown in knowledge and understanding. Jack's project, on the other hand, was a patchwork of copied ideas, lacking depth and originality.Mrs. Bennett called the class together and said, "Emma and Jack's projects remind me of an important truth. In life, we all receive assignments from God. Some of us approach these assignments with diligence and a desire to learn and grow as a person and as a leader and person of influence, while others seek the easiest path and rely on others' work." That in essence is the difference in becoming a leader or a follower.She continued, "Proverbs 2:3-5 tells us, 'Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the reverential fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.' Emma sought understanding and found it, just as we are called to seek God's wisdom in our lives."Mrs. Bennett then addressed the importance of being a good follower. "No one becomes a good leader without learning to become a good follower and learn from the one they are following. There are times when we must follow others. But there is a difference between a good follower and a bad follower. A good follower listens, learns, and grows. Proverbs 1:5 says, 'Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.' A bad follower, however, follows blindly without discernment. Proverbs 14:15 warns, 'The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.'"She looked at her students with kindness and said, "In life, like in this classroom, we can choose to be diligent learners or mere copiers. Romans 12:2 encourages us, 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.' When we invest in understanding and wisdom, we build our lives on a solid foundation."As Mrs. Bennett concluded her lesson, she saw understanding dawning on her students' faces. "Remember," she said, "James 1:5 promises, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.' She added to that, "Seek God's wisdom in all you do. Be diligent in your studies and in your life. And when you must follow, do so with discernment and a desire to grow."Many students left the classroom that day with a newfound sense of purpose. They understood that true wisdom and growth came from diligent effort and seeking God's guidance. They were inspired to be like Emma, who learned and grew through her own efforts, and to be good followers who listened, learned, and applied wisdom in their lives.Mrs. Bennett was an outstanding teacher with profound influence on the students of this town. A much higher average of students not only thrived and excelled in their studies but also grew in their faith and understanding of the working of God's wisdom in their lives. Many became leaders in their own right, building their lives on the solid foundation of God's truth, and inspiring others to do the same.So today, ask yourself, "Are you simply trying to sail through life as effortlessly as you can, or are you one to intentionally learn, grow, and have an positive impact and influence on your journey and the journey of others traveling with you in life?" The latter is the plan of God for you!
