“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me...” Philippians 4:9

We are always learning new things from the Lord and from others. Paul believed that Christians should be mentors for others. He never hesitated to point out the benefits of people learning from his example. He believed that he was learning from Christ and as a result others could learn from him.

Paul went from place to place not only establishing churches, but also making disciples. He was diligent about teaching the new believers what it means to follow Christ. So Paul could confidently say that: “whatever you have learned or received from me put into practice.” This is a statement, which a number of people will be scared to make. But the truth is that our whole Christian life is a witness to our faith. People are observing what we are doing and saying more than we may know.

As a pastor I am always asking myself: What am I imparting to those who hear me teach and preach? What example am I leaving to the young and the old people who are under my sphere of influence? What impact am I making on the community around me? I am challenged by the words of the Apostle here. And I pray that that I can also say whatever you have heard from me put it into practice.

All I can say is that I want the Lord to shine in me. And I pray that the Lord will shine in you also. I say that because I am reminded of the words of our Lord: ‘apart from me you can do nothing”.

Remember the verse begins with “whatever”. It does not give us room to leave some things out. All areas of the Christians life are included. As ambassadors for Christ we are opening ourselves to the scrutiny of all people.

Brother Seth