“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)
“But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” (1John 2:27 NLT)
There are many ideas that we pick up through life that shape the way that we think. Some of these things are true, but many are not. Over time we create a figurative pair of glasses through which we see life. We establish our perception which in turn becomes our reality. I have learned that one of the greatest deceptions that I had accepted as truth was the idea that experience is the best teacher.
I don’t know how many times I could have avoided unnecessary pain if I had simply listened to those who had already “been there and done that.” It’s amazing just how smart my parents became when I became an adult. Oh, if I just would have listened! Somehow they were right every time. I have learned that the most valuable experience is the experience of others. They went through the pain so that I could learn from their experience.
A step in the right direction might be “Experience is the best teacher, as long as it is someone else’s experience.” Perhaps this is why the Apostle Paul told us to follow him as he followed Jesus. The Lord has given us leaders (apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, parents, mentors, etc.) to help guide us into truth. By following their guidance we are able to live blessed lives that are pleasing to God. Yet, there is an even better way.
The Holy Spirit is the best teacher. Unlike experience, His teaching is 100% accurate and true. He doesn’t lead me into unnecessary pain and sorrow like experience often does. He doesn’t lead me in the wrong direction which is always a possibility when relying on experience.
The Lord has given me His Word through which I can learn from the experience of people like Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Peter, Paul, John, Jesus, etc. He has given me my parents, Pastor, and mature older Saints who have learned life lessons so that if I will listen and learn I can avoid experiences that they have already gone through. Best of all, He has given me the Holy Spirit to teach me directly so that I don’t need to rely on experience at all.
I need to listen to…
… Eric’s Life Lesson # 64: “Experience is the best teacher. NOT!”