Stay Thirsty My Friends
“As long as you’re alive, you will never graduate!” I still remember these words spoken by Dr Richardson. I was sitting in the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit class at Southeastern University in 1990. I was taken back when I first heard this and rightly so, for it was the goal of everyone in the class to graduate. Dr. Richardson was known to be somewhat of a “shock jock.” But he always qualified his statement after he successfully captured our full and undivided attention.
What he was teaching us was that as long as we were still alive and active on this planet, we were always going to be Bible students. He went on to explain that walking the stage and receiving a degree, was the “baby steps” of learning. I learned that might be the day we “graduate” from college but it’ll be the first day of life’s kindergarten. We will always be a Bible student and our graduation day is death.
This really came alive in me last week as I attended the World’s Leaders Conference. I noticed a similarity between all the speakers; they ranged from Prime Minister Tony Blair, Tim Blanchard to Cokie Roberts, Patrick Lencioni to Bill Hybels and Tony Dungy, to name just a few. They all admitted that they’re learning, exponentially more, as they grow older. And one of the ways they do this is by teaching the next generation.
I love what Tim Sanders said, it resonated within me, “You will never get dumber by making someone else smarter.” I believe that true wisdom is attained, at a greater level, not when it’s received but when it’s bestowed. Learn today… it’s never too late. And what you learn, pass it on!
In the words of the Most Interesting Man in the World, “Stay thirsty my friends.”
Having tutored a few students before I know that quote from Tim Sanders to be true. Showing someone how to solve an equation and having to explain why (because they always ask why…) we have to follow certain steps gave me even further revelation and a better understanding of the subject myself. The same goes for the Word. Teach someone the Word as you learn it and your eyes will be opened even more. A simple question asked by a curious coworker can make you dive even deeper into scripture than you ever have.
We will always be student of the Word of God. Everyday we learn something new; when we do, we must pass it on to the next generation. Repetition is the mother of knowledge, and rightly so, principles are laws that can’t break. The more we repeat and teach principles the more they will stay in us.
Well Pastor, I know that I must continue to read the bible and teach others about it. So they can reach their potential and we can get to the next level.
I agree that we must continue to be thristy for His Word daily because everytime I read it even if I read it before I get something out of it. It is even more encouraging when you are able to teach another what you learned or answer their questions.
I agree that we should stay thirsty for his wonderful word.