Examples offer help in illustrating what’s being said. They assist us in how to practise our learning. Paul confidently invited the Corinthians to follow his example, as he followed Jesus’ example. Jesus is the only visual aid we have for the characteristic behaviour expected of disciples. We often believe the bar is set too high, aimed at ‘super-saints’, and not the average mortal.

The early disciples were of one mind, or ‘together’ (v44). The word is found in Acts 1:14, again in Acts 4:32 and many other instances and it means ‘of one passion’. Together they shared a common interest in following Jesus. Yet, the Gospel stories reveal that, whilst the twelve disciples were together in following Jesus, they were of different temperaments.

Apriority is a value we give to something; another word might be ‘treasure’. Life demands that we make decisions and choose what we prioritise. A favourite group icebreaker is to ask people that if their house was consumed in flames, what treasured item would they grab before running from the building? Answers offer a glimpse into our priorities.

Assessing where we are in our discipleship, we may identify a gap between where we are and where we want to be. No worries – Paul felt the same. A Christian hero, he knew that he was in a marathon, not a sprint, and was invited to keep going till called home by God. Only those who cross the finish line can claim to have completed the race. Whilst competing we’re cheered on by a great cloud of witnesses, those faithful servants who preceded us (Heb. 12:1). Feeling despondent? Remember you are never alone.

Realisation means to exhibit the actual existence of something. In our case it is to exhibit the reality of God in a world of competing ideas, all seeking to lay claim to the meaning of life. In this multiplicity of meanings, we are consistently subject to becoming first captivated and finally captured by ‘hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ’.

Surf the net, scan YouTube and search valuable apps and you’ll be swamped with ideas, many in the early stages of development. Myriad podcasts also provoke us to consider everything, from our historical roots to our psychological health. We’re awash with ideas and propositions seeking to provide a meaning for our lives.

Christianity is reflected through the body of Christ, the church. Global in reach, multicultural in substance and denominational in structure, it has the responsibility to make God known. We each enjoy our personal capabilities, which may take time to discover and develop.

Learning is far more than an extension of knowledge. The very essence of knowing is application, a demonstration of our learning. How might I take what I know and allow it to influence how I live my life? John Chrysostom, the fourth century bishop of Constantinople, commenting on this passage wrote, ‘For to know, belongs to all; but to do, not to all.

We follow God to find purpose in life, for faith is all encompassing. Too often we have allowed what is described as the spiritual to be separated from the secular. Yet, secular simply means the culture and society within which we live. There are worshippers of all religions and none, who help shape the world we live within.

Today we’re familiar with the term ‘lifelong learning’. Formal education may end, but our need to learn continues. Great news for some, for others not so much. Learning serves both personal and professional development. As we live and learn, we grow into and express our full potential.