“Dr. Guido,” she said rather timidly, “how do you see yourself? All of the teachers we have are different. But tell us, what makes you different from all of the others?”
My first thought was to explain how my world view differed from most other professors because of my faith in Christ. That would have been a safe, standard answer. But I wanted to say something that made the way I taught distinct from other professors. As I reflected on the importance of her question, I realized how critical my answer would be.
After a few moments, God brought a word to my mind that I had never associated with teaching before. I looked at the young lady and said, “I see my role as being similar to the role of a midwife. I believe that it is my responsibility to bring in to your life, and the lives of others, what God has planted or will plant within you. My role is to work with God to bring what He plants in your head and heart to life, and to prepare you for the life He has for you.”
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives,” wrote Solomon. What we do in our relationships with others is a matter of life and death. We are responsible, with the opportunities and guidance that God gives us, to bring others into a saving relationship with Him. We are to use whatever gifts, talents, skills, influence or position God has given us to bring His message of “life” to others.
A “tree of life” will grow in the life of one who has been redeemed by Christ. And, that “tree” will also bear fruit and bring “the tree of life” to others by its fruit. By this we will be known.
Prayer: Lord, we plant “seeds” continually by what we do and what we say. May we constantly plant Your “seeds,” bring “life” and “near fruit” wherever we go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.
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