When Walter asked Kira and me to teach his 5th and 6th-grade bible class on Sunday and Wednesday nights this summer, we could not turn him down. There will only be so many opportunities to teach him and his peers at this level, and we couldn’t let this pass by. 

This a great opportunity that he needed, and as it turns out, I needed it, too. Isn’t funny how God works at times. Here are a few random thoughts on this situation. 

First of all, these kids think I am the smartest. It’s not always going to be this way, but for right now, I need to take advantage of the fact that they have questions and want and expect me to have answers. It’s really a challenge, too, because you cannot just blow them off. I have to show them, take the time to turn in the Scriptures, and explain things to them in a way they can understand and appreciate. As it turns out it makes me a better student of God’s Word. Imagine that… the teacher becomes a better student. That’s what teaching does for you. It makes you study, learn and appreciate the lesson you want to communicate with the most serious attitudes. There is a lot of bad that can come from someone who does not prepare or does not care about what he or she says. That’s why James gives us a warning about being teachers and taming the tongue all in the same breath.

Notice his words, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 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” (James 3:1-2). 

The lesson from James is simply and easily applied: 

  1. Teaching is serious business, and if you are not going to take it seriously, don’t do it. 
  2. Teaching comes with strict judgment because you have the opportunity to lead people to the truth or steer them towards error! 
  3. Teaching does not mean you are perfect. It means you are trying to help others and yourself bridle your bodies to do what is right. 

I LOVE teaching, and now I know that I love teaching not just students who are adults but preadolescents, too! What a blessing. Wow, am I ever glad Walter recruited me to be his teacher. 

Watch out, folks. Walter might recruit you too!

I love you, 

Alex