Fully Trained

Some of Jesus’ teaching are so familiar we tend to gloss over them. Well, of course, we say. Until we try to live them. Then they become difficult.

Teachings like, If you love those who love, what credit is that to you . . . love your enemies. . . . (Lk. 6:32a,35a NIV)

Perhaps we have trouble living the teachings of Jesus because we do not submit to his training. Jesus told us we would never rise above our master. He said, everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. (v. 40b)

So who is our master? Is it Jesus?

The ability to love those who do not love in return is not natural. We cannot love on our own even when we try to love. But we can love if we focus on Jesus, because we discover He loves us. If we demonstrate love because we know by faith that He is alive—and that He lives in us—His love becomes reality through us.

Jesus trains us when we look to Him. It can become a lifestyle.

Originally published June 21, 1985.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.