Online learning is not a new phenomenon, but online master classes, something quite new, have gained popularity. Whether in cooking, writing, economics, sports, journalism, fashion, cultures, directing, filming, etc, and many other many topics, have master classes taught by famous stars and experts.
These Master class advertisements are very enticing. Each expert is full of confidence as the advertisements show us their best and most influential quotes. One sentence I often hear is “be brave and do not fear failure”. Indeed, not many people can be successful on their first try. Most learners need to be steadfast and work hard, to try and try again.
January’s Daily Living Water devotional material is focused on 1 and 2 Timothy. The 3 books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are often called the Pastoral Epistles, because these letters were written for those engaged in pastoral ministry in the church. The focus is on teaching them how to manage the church and how to shepherd their flocks. There must be purity in faith, steadfastness in the true gospel, experience in life, and witness in daily life.
Reading the 9th chapter “Be an example of faith” (1 Tim 4:9-16) reminded me of the online Master class. In this passage, the most famous verse is probably this: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12) Besides this verse, I noticed that this passage contains many verbs, full of urgency and action. For example, “toil”, “labour”, “devote”, “practice”, “immerse”, “keep close watch”, “persist”.
Paul reminds Timothy to train himself in godliness. But a life of godliness does not happen by chance or by sitting on the sofa watching TV. Not only that, Paul mentions 3 types of people in 2 Timothy 2: 1) Soldier, 2) Athlete, and 3) Farmer. These 3 types convey faithfulness and hard work. If we do not work hard, how can we lead a vibrant spiritual life which glorifies God and to be an example of faith for others?
Worldly knowledge requires hard work for a good result. How much more spiritual knowledge! Perhaps one day, there will also be preaching, Bible reading, or praying online master classes?
Winnie Chan
Translated by Joy Tie