James 3:1—Teachers: Judged by a stricter standard
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. James 3:1
Each of us teaches others, both by our words and our lifestyle. Every one of us in the Body of Christ is called to be a minister of reconciliation (see 2 Corinthians 5:18), and all of us share in the role of making disciples (see Matthew 28:19-20). Parents are required to train their children, preparing them for life; unfortunately, the lack of value placed on this vital role is evident throughout our culture. Whoever you are—even if you never step behind a pulpit or a podium—you teach someone something by the way you speak and live your life. This is why it is essential for all of us to be doers of the Word, and not hearers—or talkers—only (see James 1:22). Others hear us, but they watch our lives as well.
True, James was referring primarily to the role of teaching the Word; yet the term “teacher” encompasses not only teaching the things of God, but also instructing concerning the duties of man (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1320&t=KJV). This is a sober consideration for me, for I have taught most of my life.
As a young, unsaved person choosing my major in college, I knew that I could teach; I loved working as a camp counselor for most of my teens and early twenties, teaching things like fire-building, plant identification, shelter building, and how to find elves in the woods. But I had heard something about the study load for a degree in education that determined my decision. Right or wrong—I heard it was easy. And that settled it. I didn’t feel like working hard at studies—I had more important things to do: Party.
Before you choke at my honesty, a year and a half into college, I was saved. Soon thereafter, as I was walking to one of my education classes, the Spirit of the Lord spoke directly to my heart. He said, “You entered education for all the wrong reasons—but you are in the right place.”
During my career, I taught at every grade level from second through ninth grade. Some years were more successful than others; some students gained more ground under my teaching than others. But I realized my first year—in a class of 36 fifth graders—that education was not “easy”. To succeed as an educator—even when teaching the basics—you must exert focused effort, know your material, and develop keen understanding of the people you are teaching.
Teaching the Word of God is not entirely different. Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Whether you are teaching the Word, ABCs, biology, fire-building, or how to conduct yourself with dignity, you are impacting someone else’s life and future, for good or for ill. And James said that being in the role of teacher renders a stricter judgment. In other words, handle accurately those things you teach, live them yourself, and walk in respect and dignity toward those you teach—because you will be held accountable by the Highest Authority.
When I was in the classroom, I observed diligent, hard-working teachers and I also knew of others who got by with as little work as possible. I’m sure that teaching in the Body is no different. I believe that James would remind all of us that we are under close scrutiny.
Also, when in the classroom, I observed teachers who cared little for their students. I saw others who demonstrated deep concern and empathy for their young people—and those kids thrived under that kind of instructor. This observation could likely be made toward teachers of the Bible as well. James would probably ask all teachers—do you care for those who receive your instruction? Do you show it? There is a higher standard on you than on others. Do not be unaware of it.
When James issued this warning in the very middle of his letter, i.e., the role of teacher is not for everyone, he was specifically referring to the position of leadership for the purpose of teaching the Word of God. So many doctrines and bents are taught throughout the Body of Christ, from straight Bible teaching to instruction promoting man’s opinion as holy truth. James is clear—each man and woman who seeks to instruct others in the things of God will incur a stricter judgment. He stated this quite bluntly so as to steer away from teaching positions those who would twist, add to, or subtract from the Word with their erroneous teaching.
The responsibility of teaching the Word of God is huge. You are not to take it on lightly. Do you point others to the one true Master and Teacher with your instruction? He has the words of eternal life; do your words align with His? Do you study to show yourself approved? Are you a workman who will not end up being ashamed of your teaching? Do you accurately handle the Word of truth? You must ask yourself these questions if you feel called to teach—whether to one person or to a billion. Each one of us who teaches will be held to a much stricter standard.
Pursue the Word of God, let it soak into your understanding and direct and correct your life; then as God calls you to articulate it, you will speak it forth with wisdom and accuracy.
Dorothy