Teach so They Return

I am reading in Psalms again this morning, chapter 51. As I look at my bible, I have been in this chapter a lot over the years. It is no wonder why, the title of the Psalm is “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God”. Although this morning it is not about me as I have been reminded.

Yes, I look to the LORD for guidance in my life that I might live a life pleasing to Him. I take action to do the work that He has assigned for me. Not for my glory but His.

“¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

And those works are to lead to others growth and learning and lead them to or back to the LORD. Those works are just that, works, not just actions. Righteous actions are important, but those actions are between the LORD and me and do little for the advancement of the gospel in their own right.

“¹⁶For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.”

— Psalm 51:16 (ESV)

The action of sacrifice or burning offerings to the LORD are for me and for others to see in me. I am to demonstrate proper action with the LORD and my faith. But I am also to do the work of Christ and that work is to spread the gospel to those I interact.

“¹³Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will return to you.”

— Psalm 51:13 (ESV)

I have to teach as Jesus did. I have to guide others in the Word of the LORD. When I do, those will have the opportunity to come to and/or return to the LORD. They need to be led back to the LORD who they have wandered away from They need to see in me that it is okay to be with and about Him. It is acceptable to worship the LORD. It is where they belong and that the LORD wants them there for His glory. The LORD wants to be there for them. The LORD wants to the relationship with them. The LORD is grateful for their return to Him.

I forget on the regular that my role is to teach. Whether in my role at my worldly job, or in the work I perform for the LORD. I am to teach. I am to give to others that which will benefit them. I also have to remember that I cannot make them accept that which I bring to them. My role is to teach them and then encourage them to accept and use that which they have learned. With the LORD that is no different. I am to teach so that the Word of the LORD reaches. I am to encourage the exploration and continued learning of the Word of the LORD. I am to lead them to the LORD and turn them over to Him to work on their heart. I am to teach them so they have the opportunity to come to Him.

What is your role with the LORD? Are you the constant recipient and are you just taking on actions for yourself? What if you leaned into the work you are called to do and teach so that the sinners will return to the LORD?