Good Teaching — Good Testing

During my many years of schooling, I realized that good teaching included good testing. In other words, theory must find its home in application. Theory is often learned in the classroom, sitting in rows in a controlled environment. However, application becomes messy. I experienced this often in my work life as I applied the theoretical lessons of medicine to daily life in the emergency department.

I need theory, but my life is lived in the application. The disciples learned this same lesson from the Master Teacher. After four parables on the nature of faith in the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:1-34), the disciples' faith was tested in a boat on a lake in the midst of a storm. Their test results fell short. The Teacher spoke these words,

  . . . Do you still have no faith? (Mark 4:40 NIV) 

As I examine my own life, I realize I am like the disciples. Mentally engaging in the theories of faith is much easier for me than applying my faith to my daily life. Will you join me this week in welcoming the testing as well as the teaching?

Sharing the journey with you,