All of us send messages and receive messages from one another. We don’t always have to agree on everything, but we can learn from others. Listening and learning are lifelong adventure that incorporates many different avenues of giving and receiving. Verbalizing our thoughts and receiving the thoughts of others is part of the process of learning; exhibiting and modeling are yet another part of that same process. Here are some thoughts on learning from others.
Philippians 3:17 – “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
Paul wrote to the church at Philippi asking them to imitate him, as well as to keep their eyes on “those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Over many years as a believer and in ministry, there have been hundreds of people who have been a great example to follow. I have kept my eyes on them and learned from them. Of course, I have also encountered people who were not good examples. Paul is honest with the church in this letter, reminding them that there were those who had forsaken his example. There will always be people who set a bad example, and unfortunately, there will be those who forsake Christ altogether. That is disheartening and discouraging — but for everyone I know who has forsaken Christ, I can name many, many more who still faithfully serve Him.
Of course, the greatest example to follow is Jesus. Peter highlights Him as the greatest example of all. 1 Peter 2:21 – “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Those who follow in Jesus’ steps are worthy of being heard and followed. Paul reminds Titus to be that kind of example so that he might impact others. Titus 2:7-8 – “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” There should be many people in our lives who set an example for us to follow. Most would probably be people we worship with; there are faithful followers of Jesus in and around our lives to follow, if we take the time to think about them.
It goes without saying that we follow Jesus first. He is the perfect example. However, He has won a people to Himself, and they are worthy of following as well because they follow His example. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul later wrote to the church at Philippi, Philippians 4:9 – “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Paul is not saying he is to be followed blindly; he is confident, however, that they can follow his example because his standard is, “as I am of Christ.”
Keeping all of this in mind, I am sharing with you what I believe are sound thoughts that I have learned and developed over the years. I will occasionally share good thoughts from others as well. Some thoughts and studies you may or may not agree with. It is impossible to please everyone; we all stand before the Lord with our own convictions, having been shaped to believe what we hold to. We certainly want to exercise humility and give and take as we learn together: to share, not debate.
The books listed on this site have been helpful to me. This list is not comprehensive; there are many other books and authors I have been exposed to and learned from. I have met some of the authors at seminars or other venues, while with many I have simply followed them through their writings. A few I have spent some personal time with. Over the years, books have been — as they should be — a shaping influence, drawing me closer to the Lord. Others have encouraged a new or renewed interest in a particular subject. Every book and every discussion within our spiritual lives should have a shaping influence. It should cause us to send and receive messages from those we share our thoughts with and to grow together without the tension of debate or disagreement.
If you have differences with some of the authors or material on this website, please don’t capitalize on the differences; capitalize on the sameness. Our sameness in the gospel of Christ and how He is using every tool, every discussion, and every study to shape us into His image. I am confident that there are no glaring biblical discrepancies on this website. I am sure, however, that there are differences in opinions and conclusions that are often subjective and personal — and that is okay. We all think differently about matters of theology at times. When we focus on gospel sameness, it becomes easier to glean from others without being overly critical. It is good to keep that sameness in mind when reading others; even when you disagree, you will show grace and still learn from them. Let us grow in acknowledging that there may be differences of approach and conclusion, while still extending grace in those differences. Enjoying someone’s writing does not mean that I fully endorse a particular person or ministry; it means that I have been encouraged by a thought or observation in their writings, which is why I am sharing it with you.
I want to send a message as well as receive one. I want to grow and change through the many avenues of learning available to me. We should all be willing to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” — so that He may receive the honor and glory He deserves through our sending and receiving. “To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18