When is the last time you went to a training class? If you are like me, you probably heard some new things from the instructor. These are likely unique ideas or approaches to a common problem. You also probably heard a lesson or two that you already knew as great ideas, but had forgotten! Right?
Recent Training
Recently, I went to a sales training class given by a friend of mine. He did a great job and taught our sales team some fantastic new sales techniques. His creativity in finding ways to serve the customer and add value to their experience sets a high bar!
At the same time, my friend taught some older techniques that have been around for years – decades even, maybe longer! Keep in mind, he did not bore anyone with these methods. It was a good refresher for those of us that have been around a while!
Old Lessons Made New!
Actually, many of the students there were new to the business and were not familiar with these tools. In fact, it was fun to watch them “Oooh” and “Ahhh” at these techniques as if they were new!
The funny thing is this – even though some of his methods were familiar and older, they still work! Even funnier is the fact that many of us that have been around the business for years still need to be reminded of what we learned in the past!
Do you know what I mean? Have you experienced this as well? You laugh at something you hear because you think, “I have known that for longer than you have been alive, kid!” Then your next thought is, “Why did I stop using that technique? It used to work like a charm!”
Jesus Taught Old & New
Jesus actually taught a lesson on this same principle! Do you remember what He said?
Therefore, every student of Scripture instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who brings out of his storeroom what is new and what is old.
Matthew 13:52
Example Lessons
See, some of the lessons Jesus was teaching were very new to the ears of His listeners. They had never heard some of what He was teaching before.
“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.”
Matthew 5:21-22
At the same time, some of the lessons He taught came straight out of the old Scriptures. Some of His teachings were things they had known at one time, but had forgotten or neglected!
“Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:13 (referencing Hosea 6:6)
Both Lessons Necessary!
He is instructing us to do the same when studying for ourselves AND when we teach or mentor those looking to us for development. We are not to limit ourselves with only the New Testament teachings. Nor are we only to focus on new, fresh ideas from Scripture.
We also need to dig into the Old Testament and uncover the nuggets of truth that we once knew, but have forgotten. Make sure we are maintaining our knowledge of the old while sprinkling in the new!
This will also work in your business. Go back and revisit some of the old (timeless) truths in your business. See which ones you have forgotten and return to those disciplines. Ask someone with more experience to help. Then turn and pass these on to someone coming along behind you.
Try it! You will be amazed at all you can learn (again)!
Which lessons do you prefer – new or old?
Have you re-learned a lesson recently?
What old lesson do you think is most needed today?
