The call to learn and teach.

“To teach is to learn twice.” — Joseph Joubert

God gives us all passions for a reason. My greatest passion is learning. My second greatest passion is sharing what I’ve learned with others.

For a long time, I viewed my love of learning as a distraction from my work. I know, it seems silly. But it’s easy to get lost in the wealth of information available today. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent hours searching, only to walk away with very little and feel like I wasted my time. The sheer volume of information is enough to overwhelm; walking away empty-handed is almost too much to bear.

But I’ve found that my inclination to travel “down the rabbit trail,” and lose myself in it, is not a diversion from my calling—it is my calling. And it’s well worth my time. Proverbs 18:15 says:

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Likewise, in Proverbs 2:1-5, the Spirit urges:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 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 fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”

Calling isn’t merely performance and output; it’s just as much about filling the well. Learning keeps the soul humble, curious, and teachable. Learning God’s Word, especially, enables us to access the deep and hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge that exceed the value of anything this world can offer. Learning makes us ready for the Master’s use.

But learning alone isn’t enough; it must overflow into sharing what we know with others and helping them grow. That is why I’m writing this post.

Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Notice the connection between instructing and being instructed; first, we receive the commandment, and then we teach it to others. This “great commission” is the calling of every follower of Christ, not just those assigned to the office of teaching, which, after all, is but one form of discipleship.

God invites us to absorb the truth, embody it, and then extend it outward to others. Personally, I feel honored and deeply fulfilled by this calling. To be both student and teacher is to live in the rhythm of receiving and giving, of abiding and outpouring, of breathing in and breathing out.

Reflection questions:

1. What emotions arise when you consider God’s invitation to seek wisdom, understanding, and insight “like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures”?

2. How does this invitation differ from worldly pursuits?

3. Where is God inviting you to keep learning, and how can you share what you’re learning with others?