The Toughest Job In The World

I think we can all agree: not everyone is called to be a teacher. Teaching is hard. Teachers have not only to engage their students and capture their attention; they must also find a way to make their instruction memorable. And, more to the point, The teacher must take responsibility for what he or she teaches.

James 3:1 says, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

Why would that be? Why will God judge the teacher differently than He would anyone else? Does that sound just? Or fair? 

Well, as a matter of fact, it is just. It's not a calling for everyone precisely because the job of the teacher is so important. It is the teacher -- from the public school desk to the pulpit -- who shapes and molds the mind and spirit. It is the teacher who has taken, or been given, the mantle of authority -- and with authority, responsibility -- over the instruction of the rest of us. What we know comes, at least in part, from our teachers. 

This means every teacher will be held to account for that which they teach. If they teach falsely, they will be held responsible for their false teaching. 

That's a heavy responsibility to bear, and I don't envy those who are called to it. But they do it. The teacher puts himself or herself on the line to be of service to the pupil, the Christian teacher in service to God. 

For that reason, the Teacher ought to be honored. Not just on National Teacher's Day, but every day.  

Have You Hugged A Pastor Today?

October is, among other things, Clergy Appreciation Month. It's easy, often, to take a pastor for granted. To focus on what we liked about this or that message, or how he or she handles visitation, or whether or not we're satisfied the administrative aspects of the church. It's easy to forget that a Pastor is somebody with a calling, a blessing, and a very difficult job.

It's easy to forget that, no matter how you voted after the Selection Committee had their say, God brings leaders where He wants them.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

This is not a position to take lightly. God Himself puts pastors and church leaders where they belong, for the purpose of lifting up the Body of Christ. Not, I would note, to plan the potluck, or lead Vacation Bible School, or take over all duties of Evangelism. The pastor is there for nothing less than the edification of those believers with whom he is entrusted. It is a difficult task, and not one that just anyone could do. As Scripture says, in James 3:1, "not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

Thank God today for the men and women He has placed in leadership throughout the church. And make sure you take the time,  too, to thank your Pastor.