Scripture:
James 3:1-2 ESV
[1] Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. [2] For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
Observation:
I love the book of James. In fact, I have a lot of it wrote on my heart. In other words, it’s committed to my memory. I wanted to look at these verses this morning. Because I think it’s important to catch this. James wants his readers to know. That a teaching position comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability. It’s not a position that should be considered lightly. In those days when a teacher spoke, the student would pay attention and do what was asked of them. Teachers were held in high esteem, and that’s why everyone sought after Jesus. When HE was addressed, they would call HIM rabbi or good teacher. They could trust what HE said and knew it to be true. Looking at that and thinking about the statement that James is making… we can see why teachers are held at a higher level of accountability. They are responsible for molding and shaping the lives of those who fall under their teaching. Let’s look at a statement that Jesus made for a reference. HE said, “If anyone leads one of my little ones into sin, it is better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and thrown into the sea.” Not that a heavy payment. But it’s the responsibility of a teacher to make sure that their guidance is correct. It’s not a position where you just say the first thing that comes to mind and move on. The next verse is just as important when it comes to teaching. The way a teacher walks with GOD is just as important as what he is teaching. As a teacher, your walk is a teaching tool. Let’s look at King David for a reference. He was called a man after GOD’S own heart. But he made a lot of mistakes. However, GOD does not make mistakes. So, how was David’s heart like GOD’S. The thing about David is that he knew how to repent. When he made a mistake, he went to GOD on his face and said things like… “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” James clearly states that we all stumble. It’s true that not one person on earth can walk with GOD perfectly. When a teacher stumbles, the students are affected. So it’s very important that the walk of a teacher be guarded and above reproach, and when a stumble happens, it gets corrected as soon as it happens.
Application:
I think about these verses every time I sit down to write a SOAP. I can’t just put my own thoughts in this daily devotion. Everyone is written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Taking the time to pray before I get started. I would hate to mislead anyone. Am I perfect in what I say…? Well, that’s not my call. But if I were to guess, I would say no. Although I have been studying the bible for years now. I still have a lot to learn. Anyone who thinks he has it all figured out is on unstable ground and needs to be very careful lest he fall. Over the years of following ministers and ministries, there have been a lot of them who have had a lot of moments where they made the wrong choice. I was witness to this at a men’s conference. I went to a few short months ago. I’m not going to kick a dead horse. But the impact on that man’s ministry will be felt for a long time. As a teacher, it’s important that we study GOD’S word to show that what we present is correct. Not just in word but in deed as well. Guarding not only what we say but how we walk. The thing is, people are looking to teachers for guidance. The question is, how are you leading them? Are you showing humility when you mess up, or are you too prideful to admit when you’re wrong? If we are going to teach, let’s be doers of the word, not hearers only. You may be the only bible someone ever reads. One last thing, and then we will pray. Pastor Chad told me a few years ago. In any relationship, you are doing one on two things. You are influencing or being influenced. So, if you are in the first group, make sure you are influencing correctly. Milestones are heavy and hard to swim with, and if you are in the second group. Read your bible. Make sure the one you allow to influence you is doing it according to GOD’S standards and not their own.
Prayer:
Father, these verses are eye-opening. Have mercy on us, and help us to walk according to your word. You have put us in a position of influence. We want to use it the way you have intended for it to be used. Walking in humility and meekness. This is not a position we sought…it’s where you have placed us. We don’t want to be looking up after a hard fall, hoping we can find our way back to your grace. Protect our walk so that your will can be seen. Our life is not our own. What we do once we take the label of followers of christ reflects on the church as a whole. If someone is reading the bible of our lives. Let us present your truth by the way we live. Being diligent in the way we present who you are to us and showing that not only by the way we live but what we say as well. Let your word be the light unto our path and the lamp unto our feet. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.