Thoughts on Teachers and Teaching

It was a Sunday School teacher who sowed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my heart. It took around 10-12 years for that seed to sprout, leading me to salvation at 19. Since then, Sunday School teachers have significantly impacted my spiritual growth and well-being. We appreciate all our teachers for their tremendous contributions to our churches, society, and future generations.

The following are some thoughts on teachers and teaching...

• The Ability to Effectively Teach Others (young and old) is a Gift of God. Romans 12:6-8, "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."
  

• Jesus Christ Was a Tremendously Effective Teacher. Though His primary mission in coming to earth was to be the Saviour of man, nevertheless, He was a skilled and creative teacher. What an honor to be in this category with our Lord and Savior. Every teacher would do well to study carefully the teaching methods of our Lord.
  

• The Holy Spirit of God is a Teacher. John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." One of the Holy Spirit's primary functions as He indwells believers is to teach us the things of God.  As the Author of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit teaches us to understand God's Word and to apply its principles to our everyday lives.
  

• The Apostles Were Powerful Teachers. Of course, they were first and foremost preachers of the Gospel, but their role as teachers was vital in the establishment of the New Testament church throughout the Middle East.
  

• Teaching is a Vital Part of the Ministry of the Whole Church. Pastors are not only preachers but also teachers! Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." Older women in the church are to be "teachers of good things" (Titus 2:3). All the servants of the Lord are to be "apt to teach." 2 Timothy 2:24, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"
  

• God Holds Teachers to a Higher Accountability Than Non-teachers.  James 3:1, "My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." No doubt, because of the tremendous influence teachers have on the mind and lives of their students, God holds teachers to a greater level of accountability.
  

• It is Imperative That Teachers Teach Only That Which is True!  God gives severe warnings in His Word to "false teachers," those who are careless and/or dishonest in their teaching.
  

• Faithful, Christian Teachers Will Be Rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  In 2 Timothy 4, Paul declares that there is a "crown" awaiting him for his faithfulness to God's calling on his life.  No doubt this is true for the faithful and godly teachers of our young people.
  

• Outside of our Families, Teachers are Some of the Most Influential People in our Development as Individuals. Our love of learning, our development as leaders, our view of the world, and our view of ourselves is powerfully influenced by our teachers.

Teachers have a great privilege and responsibility (especially Sunday School teachers). I say, "Thank you!" to every teacher for your sincere investment in the lives of others.