Christian Teaching
"Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1 NLT
You know you are called to teach the word of God, when God's word is burning in your heart like fire - you might try to hold back, but you cannot stay silent - Jeremiah 20:9. As you are seeking God in His word, He opens your eyes to truths you know you read before. But it's different. As you read the verses, your mind is recalling other verses in Scripture that expound upon this truth, your mind also might be seeing an illustration that helps in understanding, or you are seeing clear application points that will help people in living out this truth. You find yourself becoming really passionate about these verses and as you continue talking to God, you realize how He is growing you in maturity and is physically working out this word in your life - so that you have both head knowledge and heart knowledge.
It's refining - and yet you love it.
And this is where the anointing comes in every teacher's life - God working the truth in you and through you so much so you are practicing what you preach. You don't desire authority over people, you feel the weight of accountability in sharing what God has shown you - Luke 12:48, so that other Christians are edified in the faith, stronger in their walk with Jesus Christ and better off in life.
Teaching God's word is a good desire. But every Christian needs to realize the truth in James 3:1, "there is stricter judgment for teachers." The stricter judgment is the accountability of God. We will be held accountable on judgment day for every idle word that comes out of our mouth - Matthew 12:36. Our words will either acquit us or condemn us - Matthew 12:37. God is all knowledgeable. Nothing escapes Him, and He is the one to whom we are accountable - Hebrews 4:13.
The apostle Paul says in Romans 2:21-24 NLT, "Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, 'The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.'"
It is important to practice what we preach. It's a powerful witness to a watching world. A world very adept at identifying hypocritical behavior.
There is power in teaching - that is why there are many false teachers, cults, and multiple religions. Satan desires the power of God, however, will never be in control without controlling people; thus, the many different ideologies and controlling doctrines. God, on the other hand, will always remain in control while giving freewill to His people.
Jesus does warn in the Sermon the Mount in Matthew 5:19, "So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven."
Do you desire to teach God's word?
Prayer: Abba, thank You for all of Your faithful Christian teachers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
