Among the habits of Jesus, there was prayer, in a quiet and deserted place, but there was also teaching. We also benefit from adding these two habits to our spiritual life. What do you have to teach today?

Not all teachers are in classrooms. We are all teachers at times because to teach is simply to pass on knowledge. When we teach a concept that we have learned, it allows us to absorb it even more. It’s a way of saying “in our own words” what we understood.

Although it takes a teacher’s license to work in a school, on a day-to-day basis, we don’t need a diploma to be able to pass on what we have learned to others. Even new Christians can explain to others what they have just understood. This is the best way to consolidate our spiritual learning. In Judaism, anyone can be called upon to read part of the Torah (the Jewish Bible) before the congregation. Jesus made it a habit. “And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all” (Luke 4:15 NKJV). Paul also insisted that older women teach the younger ones (Titus 2:3-5).

How can we teach? No need for a classroom or an auditorium. We can teach simply by talking to a friend. “Hey, look what I read! And here’s what I understood.” We can also share our findings in writing, through letters or online. We can even share our new knowledge by adopting a new practice, or by creating a song or an artistic work. To teach is to expose our new knowledge to others, to put it into practice (Matthew 7:24). If we never have anything to teach others, and no new spiritual knowledge to share, there is a problem!

But beware, we are responsible for what we teach, and especially to whom we teach it (James 3:1). When we want to share some sort of correction, it is good, even necessary, to have our statement confirmed so we don’t crush people with an error. We can spread uplifting messages and encouragement a little more freely, but we must also be careful not to teach false promises. It is always a good idea to check what we want to share. It is therefore essential to put our pride aside when we teach. We must always be ready to be corrected; this is how we become wiser (Proverbs 9:8).

Of course, our teachings should always be something that we have experienced, that we put into practice ourselves. “I read this and this is what it taught me. I thought it might be as useful to you.” It’s a principle to keep in mind when we are married, or even dating. Corrections are always easier to accept if they come from someone who has applied them themselves. If we always receive teachings useful to others, but not to us, there is something wrong! We must all be daily at the feet of Jesus, ready to learn (Luke 10:41-42). The Word of God is the best teaching tool, accompanied by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). You can also read Christian books or listen to sermons, but always hold the hand of the Holy Spirit to confirm to you what He wants to teach you by that.

At the same time, do not be offended if the person you are sharing your discovery with is not enthusiastic. Teaching is good for you. The same knowledge may be useful for another person, but it might not be! We are all at different stages of our lives and God does not work in the same order with everyone. But don’t let that prevent you from sharing your discoveries (2 Timothy 4:2). In short, be careful, but go ahead, do like Jesus and His disciples: make it a habit to teach, to share what you have learned in your spiritual walk to others.