Teachers know that every student learns a little differently. Some like to take copious lecture notes, while others prefer a hands-on discovery approach. Some work best alone in a quiet room; others thrive in a vibrant group activity. No approach is wrong, which is why the best teachers employ a variety of learning opportunities.
The God who created each of us while we were yet unborn knows best how we learn (Psalm 139). He allows our experiences to first teach us and then affords us the chance to use that learning to testify of Him.
How we respond to life matters. What we say and what we do becomes our testimony. The psalmist here wants to be an example of how God is magnified in our lives, but he knows that he can only be that example if he consistently trusts the Word of the Lord. He intends to spend his time meditating on the Lord’s precepts as he is comforted by God’s promise of steadfast love and mercy.
We who claim Jesus as savior would do well to imitate the psalmist. If we consistently meditate on the Word, we will learn what the Father wants us to know. Our testimony of His goodness will be made known by our responses to the world around us. Do we seek justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8)? Do we care for the orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27)? Do we abound in love for each other (1 Thessalonians 3:12)?
If we continually walk in a manner worthy of our calling, we can know that our testimony is one that can be useful for teaching and leading others (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10). This time in our history seems to be an excellent time to make sure our testimony of God’s word is accurate, consistent, and compassionate (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Let us all be known by our love and grace.
Defaulting to Grace 