I often find myself quoting (when preaching or writing
theses devotions) the late John Wooden. The reason I do, is not just because of
the success he had on the hardwood as a coach and player, but more importantly
to garner life wisdom from him. It goes way beyond the All-America status he
attained as a player… way beyond the 10 national championships he attained as a
coach… it is the lasting impact he made in the lives of his players! I guess
you could say I am more moved by John Wooden the teacher than John Wooden the basketball
coach…
I see the same type of commitment in church circles to
certain teachers that are in the public eye… and I am all for finding solid
teachers to learn from; yet, I also find that we can start to lean toward
looking to those teachers as the authority instead of the actual Author of the
Word!
Typically, when I find myself in a Scriptural debate, I hear
things like, “Well so-and-so says…” Again, I am not opposed to that unless the
person can’t tell me what the Scripture says. (Years ago, I had a seminary-trained
pastor debating the Gospel with me; in the debate I asked him numerous times
where he found his points in Scripture… and over and over he failed to give a
Scriptural reference.)
I go to many John Wooden books and quotes when I am
teaching in the basketball world… I get straight to the trusted source… let’s
make sure when it comes to our Biblical stances in life that we go directly to
the source!
Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
and I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your
law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me walk in the path
of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Acts 17:11 …they received the word (teachings) with all
readiness (listened to teachers) AND searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether
these things were so.
Teachers are great BUT make sure you always go to the
source!
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