Teachers

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:1-2

Teachers are held to stricter judgment, so James warns not to seek this. It’s not for everyone because the standard is higher. This passage goes on to discuss the untamable tongue. Which honestly, I never tied to this passage about teachers before.

I’ve been a teacher at some level most of my life, even times when I shouldn’t have been. I realize now, I should have taken myself out of the role. Just because you have the knowledge doesn’t mean your character matches. On a Biblical level, my conduct at the time was not where it should have been. I was walking in active sin and I knew it, even if those in the church didn’t. I believe I will one day answer to God for that time in my life where I was serving Him, but not living for Him. I now believe I was opening the door to Satan in the lives of others by my hypocritical living. I say that because it was the hypocrisy that I saw in the church that drove me away as a teenager.

I am responsible for me, and what I put out there. I am responsible when I am choosing to live in sin not battling it or living unaware of it. That is a standard I believe God holds teachers and leaders too. It shouldn’t be taken lightly when given the opportunity to teach others.

I also know that as a teacher I am responsible for my words. I am responsible to make sure that what I am saying lines up with God’s word 100%. Any opinion should clearly be marked as such. When I feel something comes directly from God, it should be backed up by the word of God, not man’s definition or words.

Teaching is a difficult undertaking because many things sound biblical. Many things are passed on and sound right but are not inline with Scripture. It is easy to be thrown in as socially acceptable, when it’s really false doctrine. An example would be “God won’t give you more than you can handle”. The truth is “You will not be able to be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13)”. If you could handle everything that came your way, you wouldn’t need God. That thought, which is often quoted is not found in the Bible. There are others but it is just an example of needing to know the source of information as a teacher. I may cite others in my teaching, but I need to know the Biblical basis of what I teach to others.

Lord, I only want to speak what You want me to speak. If I have been called to teach, I feel like You have to help me be careful and be diligent that I don’t stumble. I want to only speak Your perfect Word.