Rev. JOHN COUNSELL

is lead pastor at Vanier Community Church and host of Late Night Counsell weeknights on 580 CFRA.

We can learn from everyone! A mind that is closed and unteachable is never going to learn anything, no matter how available the lessons are.

Jesus talked about people like that in Matthew 13:14: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

Romans 3:10 declares that none of us are righteous. So I guess we’re stuck with learning from sinners that are either living in sin or have been “saved by the grace of God.”

I think the righteous life that Christ wants for us to live is impossible without His help, but I believe His priorities are without peer.

In fact, my measuring stick of worthy teachers is filtered through the perfect example of Christ. and the greatest influences on my life have been people who were most like Christ.

However, the effect of bad examples or “sinners” cannot be overstated. A bad example can teach us invaluable lessons, but without the measuring stick of the priorities of Christ, how does one discern a bad example from a good one?

Non-believers tend to cite “common sense,” as the source of such discernment, which leads me to ask “And just where did that sense come from?” I’ve yet to see any convincing proof that would suggest anywhere but from our creator.

I look to the Holy Spirit as my primary teacher. Christ described Him as one that would “lead us into all truth.” Christ said, in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (emphasis added).

Lessons come from everywhere. The more important question is, “Who is your teacher?”

I am thoroughly satisfied with mine!