Devotional of the Month

Illuminating Lightbulbs

by Wes Eby, Global Representative

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding” (Hebrews 6:1a, NLT).

As a teacher, what a thrill and to see the proverbial lightbulb turn on in a student’s mind! Allow me to cite one example.

In teaching Navajo students, part of the learning dealt with cultural norms. In their traditional culture, eye contact with speakers was considered rude or disrespectful. This became a problem with one sixth-grade class that ranged in ages from 12 to 17. (Yes, I had two 17-year-old teens in that class.) As English speakers, a certain amount of eye contact in conversation, without staring, is the expected norm. Yet these Navajo adolescents struggled in dealing with this cross-cultural conflict.

My job included helping students become proficient in the English language and accept its cultural norms. At the same time, they needed to understand the cultural norms of their homes and communities were okay. The challenge? To be comfortable in both settings.

I tried my best to teach that both were right, that one was not superior. When speaking Navajo with their families, they should use and accept the values and traditions of the Diné (Navajo people). Yet, they needed competency in English with its values and traditions to be equipped to live and work wherever they chose.

At the end of the school year, I asked the students to write a paper titled “What I Have Learned This Year.” The responses enlightened and gratified me. Alma, one of my fifteen-year-old young ladies wrote: “I’ve learned there is nothing harmful about speaking in front of the class.” After being in school for almost seven years, the “lightbulb” clicked on for Alma. She finally realized she could talk with people in English, look them in the eye, and converse without any “harm.” For Alma, a huge victory.

In the same way, our master Teacher loves to see lightbulbs illuminate our spiritual understanding. I wonder how often He looks at me and grieves, saying, “When will Wes ever learn?” And I hope there are times He smiles and whispers to our Father, “Look, Dad, Wes finally caught on. I’m proud of him. He sure is making a good disciple.”

Jesus, please forgive me for the times I’ve failed to remember what You’ve been teaching me.

Help me, I pray, not only to listen but to internalize Your truth and apply it to my life. May I be the student You are proud of—always.

Wes Eby has spent decades as an Educator in many roles.  We are so blessed to have him as our Global Representative.  Wes and his wife, Roberta attend the Winter Haven, Florida, First Church of the Nazarene, where he serves as the NMI (missions) President/Educator and the church editor.