Teachers

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” –James 3:1

Most of us have had a person other than our parents in a position of authority who have made a huge difference in our lives. Often times it is people who we label as teachers. For me, I had several. They ranged from coaches to science teachers to shop teachers. But there is something about the way we are created that makes us especially moldable by influential teachers.

In the Jewish culture, the teacher (or Rabbi) held the most influential role within a community. Often, they would command even more respect than one’s own parents. Whereas many of our teachers spend a few hours a day with their students, often a Rabbi’s disciples would follow him around for years eating every meal with him and hearing every word that he spoke. Jesus even said, “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.” (Matthew 10:25)

This is why James puts such a strong warning here addressed towards those desiring to teach. He is not trying to discourage the gifted. He is attempting to weed out those who are in it for their own selfish ambitions. A teacher can do a lot of good or a lot of harm, or maybe even a little of both. As teachers of God’s Word, we are not merely to be influential or powerful, but to be first and foremost, like Christ.

It makes us ask some tough questions of ourselves: Do our actions match our words? Are our words reflective of Scripture, or are they laced with our own agendas? Do we think twice before we open our mouths? Are we helping people to seek God’s will for their lives or our will for their lives?

Whether or not you are an official ‘teacher’ of God’s Word, you may be in a position where you will heavily influence others. Think twice about your responsibility. Do your best to become like Christ.