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. (John 14:26 KJV)
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| Personal Photo |
As September nears its end, I would like to consider the impact
teachers have on the lives of their students.
The impact can be positive or negative—coloring the whole of life. A teacher’s impact or lack of impact can encourage
a student to achieve great tings or fail to live to his or her fullest
potential.
My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall
receive the greater condemnation. (James 3:1 KJV)
It is an awesome
responsibility to teach; something not to be taken lightly, especially when it comes
to the Word of God. In fact, as we read
in the Scripture passage from James, those who teach will be held to a higher
standard. This should cause us to pause
and deeply and soberly think about the responsibility in teaching the Word of
God.
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| Photo Credit: C. Meissner |
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. (John 14:26 KJV)
As Christians the greatest (and best) teacher we will ever have is the
Holy Spirit. Open your heart and mind to
the Holy Spirit’s instruction and learn from Him. The Holy Spirit is an amazing teacher, as
long as we remain open and attentive to His gentle presence and soft
voice.
What have you learned recently from the Holy Spirit?
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| Personal Photo |
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is
not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. (Deuteronomy 30:11 KJV)
In planning,
teachers develop learning objectives for their students. Ideally, these learning objectives match the
abilities of their students—challenging them enough but not too much. The same could be said for those us who have
the courage to teach Sunday school (any age level). A plan is created for class with flexibility
to address needs as they surface.
It seems to me
that God, like a good teacher, challenges us to bring about our full
potential. Teachers hope their students
will actually use and apply what they have learned in future classes and
throughout life; God expects the same from us.
Be open to
God’s teaching. What is God trying to
teach you?
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| Photo Credit: C. Whitlatch |
What teacher had the greatest impact on your life? I imagine you can recall at least one by
name.
Please join
with me in prayer:
Dear Lord,
thank You for the men and women who have the courage to teach. We pray Your blessing and anointing upon
those who have accepted the awesome responsibility teaching requires. As we open our hearts and minds to the
instruction of the Holy Spirit; help us to be good, attentive students of Your
Word. Guide us as we live our lives in
the ways You have instructed us. Thank
You for Your perfect instruction that fits our abilities. We are thankful that Your desires for us are
not beyond our reach. In Jesus’ Name, we
pray. Amen.
From My Heart
to Yours,
Kim
There were many teachers who had a positive impact on my life, Kim, and I often think of them. As a former teacher myself, I am highly aware of that "higher standard" you mention here. So much responsibility! We can shape minds (and hearts) for the better, or not. Before each school day, I would pray this: "Lord, let me do Your will and walk in Your ways to the honor and glory of Your name." How that kept me focused!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
Martha, I'm glad you had many teachers who made a positive impact on your life, and that you still think of them. Yes, teaching is a huge responsibility. Oh, I love the prayer that you prayed at the beginning of each school day. I'm sure it did keep you focused; you sure impacted your students positively.
DeleteLove and blessings!
As a teacher of a ladies bible study I am totally aware of the responsibility i carry to teach the full counsel of God. A couple of ladies I trust in the study are my go to women. To them I ask the questions, was I clear, did it match scripture, was it real. then I also open myself up to all the ladies with a challenge. If you ladies love me then be a spiritual friend to me, don't talk bout something I have said till you talk to me. Be willing to call me on something that does not sound right. Sharpen me like iron on iron does. good post.
ReplyDeleteHi Betty, Thank you for stopping by and for sharing. I'm glad that you ask for feedback. Thank you for your kind comments on this post.
DeleteBlessings!