9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
Would that we all be bold enough to tell a brother or sister in Christ to look at me and pattern yourself after me for Biblical direction. A number of things flow logically from this exhortation.
Am I teaching anyone? Am I qualified to teach anyone anything about God? Doesn’t a teacher have to be credible? Do I walk the walk or just talk the walk?
Am I close enough to give someone something of value? Is anyone on the receiving end? Is anyone teaching me? Am I a receptor of truth? We’ve heard the admonition to “never stop learning.” Is this the way it is for you in your relationship with God? Is it not a fair statement that with the word of God in your hand it is possible to be taught almost constantly? What pleasure do we enjoy in life endlessly and abundantly and without restraint? I can’t think of any except to be inextricably connected to God.
To be heard and seen requires proximity. There was a time when Paul was present with the Philippians, but not forever. Whatever time we have with anybody must be made to count. Anyone in my life who has made a spiritual impact has made the most of the interaction. We should relate with others as if we have only one brief encounter to say or do something that will make an impact for Christ. I see this in my wife in her interactions with her grandchildren.
They say “more is caught than is taught.” This pseudo principle applied most of the time to man to man or father to son relationships may be overrated. Maybe it’s effective if you’re pounding nails with your dad, but would it not be better to throw in the thought in passing that Jesus pounded nails with his dad?
Even if we’re well taught and have our noses in the word daily, are we habitually practicing what is preached? That’s what Paul is saying here. If you are, you’re likely at peace with yourself, others, and with God.
“Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21
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