I believe that a teacher is defined by their attitude. There are many who teach but really aren’t teachers. Teaching is not about telling … it’s about asking. At least this is the reason I use questions in my approach. Granted I love to teach – my purpose is to touch the life of the ‘person-student’, where they are and come along side to help them on their journey. My purpose is NOT simply to talk (which can be a form of loving to hearing my own voice), nor relating my experiences (except when relevant and is shared as an example). As a teacher I have to continue to study, to know my ‘subject’. I should know more about what’s being discussed than the student, simultaneously also discovering what it is they do know.
I really can’t think of any other gift that I could ever want, covet outside of the one the Lord blessed me with. Then again, everyone who knows their gifting and acts on it feels this way. I often wonder if the ‘caution’ found in 1 Corinthians 12 about the fact that we all are one together so all are involved and important, doesn’t exist or is not relevant in the hearts and minds of those who don’t know their gifting. If you covet another gift, this is not knowing the value of your gift.
Teaching is really great fun. However, I also know the warning scripture provides:
“Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. For we all stumble and sin in many ways.” [James 3:1-2a]
And yet, it is the only thing I passionately love to do… outside of writing which I interpret as an expression of teaching. I think James’ warning is to keep the teacher humble, to help the one teaching to realize that they truly don’t know it all so all must be considered. Yes, we are to test the spirit (1 John 4:1) but we also have the method of test (1 John 4:3). And still… the Word tells us:
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is [doctrinally inexperienced and] unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a spiritual infant. But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil.”
[Hebrews 5:12-14]
And no, the Hebrew verses do not contradict James. James is a warning for the teacher to not be lax or cavalier in preparation and presentation. The Hebrews scripture is an encouragement to continue the journey, to grow, to become that workman the Lord can use.
There is so much more I could say that this post could end up becoming a book! Perhaps part of what I’m trying to say is. to the student: you have an opportunity to learn what the ‘teacher’ knows… but never stop there and do share your discoveries because you too could be not fully apprehending the fullness or understanding. to the teacher: you have a great opportunity and responsibility to the student and to the subject. Never ‘wing it’ unless the Holy Spirit is leading you. Please, always invite the student into the process of learning.
