Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Our pastor will often send us home with homework assignments. It is perhaps a chapter in the bible, or verses relevant to the object of the sermon, and there is no specific assignment other than reading.

Imagine if you would what it would look like if the whole congregation came back the next Sunday turning in their homework. This verse in Galatians sounds like that, does it not?

Perhaps the pastor’s intentions are only to encourage the congregation to read more than they do. That is fine but this is one thing I do not need. I am up early every morning reading His word. Listening, discovering, seeking, and then hopefully doing.

This Galatians 6:6 communication is vital to those who teach us not just for our own growth but for the teachers themselves. So often we only think about our part in a homework assignment that we fail to understand the significance of turning in the homework.

Those who teach in our churches do it not just because they are called to do it and gifted to do it, but because they love God and they love you. They serve both God and you. The response to love should be love. Keeping teachers apprised of your growth in Christ is the only way to show your appreciation for all they do for you.

Teachers want to know their lesson plans are effective, that fruit is seen, which is solely based in communication. Our spiritual teachers are not sitting home at night with a red pencil grading papers. Your spiritual teachers are praying for you. Their issue is not right and wrong answers, it is growth in Christ for you, and that isn’t seen on paper. Anyone can take a test, but can you translate that into how you live for Christ.

Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

He really likes to hear himself talk.

I wonder how long that thought has been around. Maybe here in this Proverb is a hint of that very thing. As I am pondering this issue many things come to mind about our speech. Do we talk at people, to people or with people?

Some talk at people from a false sense of worth. Their ego is so inflated that they perceive their speech pierces the dullness of ordinary lives and gives them something they lack. They do not care about that person in front of them, their situation, their pains or concerns. They do not even care to receive anything in return for the opinions of others will need to be corrected.

Some talk to people because they have something of value to share, not because it is their own invention but because truth revealed has value in and of itself. Their audience chose to come, listen, learn, absorb and find value. The purpose in this speech is to enrichen a life, to provide for a need, and while interaction is welcomed it is not necessary. The speaker knows that truth will accomplish what needs to be done without explanation.

Speaking with people is a clear sign of relationship. Involvement in concerns, pain, troubles, and intimate details that few others get to hear is the core of the conversation. Love is extended and returned. It is personal and it establishes trust. Both parties involved receive a blessing.

The right word at the right time to the right person will most likely occur in this third setting. If God has a word to help enrich a life, it is most likely to be given to people who love as instructed.