Luke 6:40 (ESV) -- A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Humans are imitators. We become like who we surround ourselves with. This can be both a good thing or a bad thing. This is why parents are always concerned with the circle of friends their kids choose. The company we surround ourselves with determines the trajectory of our behavior and character. This is also true about who we are listening and learning from. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve watched Christian students graduate from high school, leave for college, and experience a crisis of faith. Why? Because they submitted themselves to teachers determined to undermine the Christian teaching the student had received. Some resist it. Others become like their teachers. 

This reality is what our passage today teaches us. We read Jesus’ words in Luke 6:40, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” 

Jesus’ main point in this teaching is that when an individual is fully trained, they will be like the one training them. The trainer or teacher can only instruct in what they know. So if someone is learning from them, they will be direct reflections of their teacher. The teacher’s knowledge will be their knowledge. The teacher’s line of reasoning or logical arguments will be become theirs. This is natural. 

One of the things it places a massive importance on is selecting our teachers wisely. We must be mindful of who we are letting shape our understanding. Our worldview, theology, and approach to life is not formed in isolation. We are all catechized and discipled by somebody. The people you surround yourself with and learn from are the ones you will grow to become like. Ask yourself this question: if I became like the person or people I listen to and learn from the most, am I okay with that? If the answer is yes, wonderful. Stay the course. If the answer is no, move on. Because it is only a matter of time before you are just like them.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why does Jesus teach this principle?
- What does this passage and lesson teach us about ourselves and about our development?
- How do you feel about the people you are learning from and becoming like? Are you satisfied? Are they good examples to become like? 

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