One of the ObeyGC2 values is that people should both do ministry and train others to do it.
This means to live it as well as speak it. Practice it and pass it on. Apply it and not simply theorize about it. There is a name for people who only teach others without having experienced something themselves: hypocrite. Many people have heard the old saying, “Those who can’t do, teach. Those who can’t teach, administrate.” Unfortunately, this saying probably brings specific people to mind for each of us. That is not God’s intention, however. God wants us all to be learners and doers and trainers of others. We can learn from anyone. There is no truly great person who is too proud to learn from others. Everyone has things they are good at and areas of weakness or ignorance. God designed us in this way so we could help one another and learn from one another. Humility really is the key to growth.
Also, God is a wise investor. He gives more insight to those who pass on the insights He’s given them. He reveals more of Himself to those who reveal Him to others. He gives more to those who give away what He has given them. This principle is clearly taught in the parable of the talents and is repeated in one way or another throughout Scripture. For example, Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Or Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Or 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” Or Matthew 28:19-20a “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” You get the idea…
Matt 5:17-19
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Ex 18:20
20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.
Ezra 7:9b-10
The good hand of his God was upon him.
10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. (NAS)
