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
Read MoreChecking in
I wanted to touch base and let you know that I will be taking one more week away from the blog here at www.firstofallpray.com to spend a bit more time seeking God with fewer distractions.
It’s obvious that the world out there is in desperate need of prayer—whether any of them realize it or not! You and I are the ones called to that assignment—we are watchmen. As we seek God for those in our lives, those in the news, and folks all around the world—in short, for ALL men, for kings, and for all who are in authority (see 1 Timothy 2)—we can trust that He will hear from Heaven and act on behalf of those for whom we pray.
While you pray, be sensitive to any adjustments, corrections, or leadings from the Holy Spirit He may reveal for your own life—and then trust Him to help you as you yield to these things. You see, Habakkuk 2:1 states, “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved.” In other words, as you seek God on behalf of others—doing the job of the watchman—quite often He will also speak to your heart about you and your ways. This is not a cause for fear but for increase and growth as you receive intimate, personalized discipleship and mentoring from the Holy Spirit Himself.
Like the groundhog, I plan to emerge from underground and be back online February second. That’s when I intend to resume with the study of the Book of James. But will I see my shadow?
Enjoy God,
Dorothy
Read MorePressing on to know the Lord
So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth. Hosea 6:3
People all over the church world are taking time now at the beginning of the year to seek God for direction and wisdom, correction and clearer vision for their lives.
We are called to spend time with the Lord on a daily basis, but there are also seasons in which God draws His children into a more targeted, prolonged, and concentrated time of pressing in know Him on a deeper level.
When you press on something, you are focusing your energy, attention, and strength on that particular object. When you press on to know the Lord, you are focusing your energy, attention, and strength on Him and what He has said in His Word.
The fact that God will go forth is established. First, He will go forth in drawing near to you as you draw near to Him (see James 4:8). And then, He will watch over His Word as you place yourself in agreement with it to perform it (see Jeremiah 1:12). But in all of it, your primary focus as you press in is to know Him and to cooperate with His will in your life. The blessings and the promises that result from your concentrated time of seeking Him are gravy—good and glorious stuff, but the best part of pressing in is getting to know Him better.
In the dead of winter, what better endeavor can you pursue than to press in to know your God more intimately? Winter, as long as it seems to be, will be over soon enough. The ground will start teeming with life and the days will grow longer as the chill starts to fade away. And the rains will start falling—the warm spring rains which saturate the thirsty earth and pour out promise of new life, blessings, and more active days. As you press on to know the Lord now, in a concentrated way, He promises to send the rain in due season to your life—the rain of promise, blessing, and renewal. So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.
I will be spending the next few weeks in a more focused way with the Lord, so I have decided to suspend my First of All Pray blog for this time period. As it stands now, I will return to the blog on Monday, January 26, 2015.
Be blessed, and take some time in your schedule to press on to know the Lord.
Dorothy
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Stand, look, and ask
Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16
This was the Scripture that I opened to today as I continued a personal study in the book of Jeremiah. It seemed to me that God was downloading some important counsel for me at the beginning of the New Year, and I believe it’s worth sharing.
Jeremiah was originally called during the reign of Josiah, a good king who enacted major reforms in Judah. The problem with those reforms was this: Although the people of the land went along with them externally, they had allowed the imported ways of the nations surrounding them to capture their hearts and lure them into behaviors which dishonored God. Frankly, they resented being told to let go of those enticing trappings; they felt that God would understand as they continued to experiment with all of it. If He doesn’t get it, they figured, that’s His loss—they wanted what they wanted.
Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet”. He spoke to the people of God about their need to turn from the folly of idolatry and adultery and to embrace once again the God of Israel. He warned them again and again concerning the destruction they could avoid if they would but admit their sins and turn to God from their hearts; they, on the other hand, counted Jeremiah to be a false prophet, an egotist, a pessimist, and a nuisance. No matter how he would plead with them, they ignored or rejected what God was saying to them through him. No wonder he wept so much!
It was still during the reign of Josiah that Jeremiah prophesied, “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
Unfortunately, when times are comfy, cozy, and carefree, people tend to think that everything will always go smoothly. They fall under the illusion that their cushy lifestyle is the norm and they have no need for a “check up from the neck up.” And as Jeremiah warned them again and again, this thinking would become a deadly—but very avoidable—snare for them.
Stand by the roads, and look…
Are you at a crossroad in your life? The New Year provides a natural crossroad for all of us. Jeremiah prophesied, Stand. Look. Take your time. Reflect on the paths before you. Don’t rush down one because it’s the easiest, the most traveled, the most glamorous-looking, or even the most adrenaline-packed route. Take your time. Paths are important—they can hold either destiny or destruction—or slow decline.
… ask for the ancient paths…
The ancient paths are the paths prepared for you by the Ancient of Days Himself. He has an interest in you and a plan for your well-being. He knows you intimately and loves you with an everlasting love. Although the paths are ancient—as revealed in the Word of God—they are ever new, ever fresh, ever life-giving. As you stand and look, ask.
… where the good way is…
God’s way is always good. It may not tantalize the flesh or desires, but it is very good, healthy, and life-affirming.
… and walk in it…
After reflection, observation, and asking, you will see that good way. Now walk in it. It may not be popular, edgy, or well-received, but if you take a step, and then another step, and then another, you will be walking on the path God has prepared for you—and He will walk with you there.
… and [you will] find rest for your souls…
There’s something about letting go of our own ways and entering the path God reveals that brings peace and rest to our souls. Chaos may surround, agitating words or thoughts may pile up, disappointments may abound, but with every step of obedience, all of that loses its power to bind or to break you. Stepping down the ancient way, the good way, will bring rest to your soul.
But they said, “We will not walk in it.”
As much as God values the obedience of His people, He also guards their right to choose for themselves. Although He refuses to violate our will, He clearly pleads His case to each one of us again and again, replete with counsel, instruction, and promise of reward. And He plainly explains the consequences that can happen when we repeatedly refuse to listen.
You are at a crossroad now in your life at the start of this New Year. Stand, look, and ask. Don’t rush headlong down the best-looking path and then ask questions later. Let the ancient wisdom of the Lord and His Word speak to your heart, and as He reveals that best course for you, walk in it. You will find rest for your soul.
Happy New Year!
Dorothy
Read MoreThe new year
A newborn infant, newly fallen snow, a new day, a new creation, a new year: all speak of purity and freshness and endless possibilities.
And here we are, on the first day of the New Year. Many are making resolutions; some may even keep them! Others are looking ahead with cautious hope—maybe this year will be different; maybe this year I’ll find what I’ve been searching for; maybe…
The Lord understands times and seasons and change and newness. He speaks of newness often in His Word, and He also speaks of change. Of His children, He declares “… if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). To His people Israel, He declared, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Jeremiah prophesied, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
If you’re anything like me, you crave hearing from the Lord. And if you’re anything like me, you long to grow and change and make a difference in the lives around you. You and I feel this way because of God’s presence in our lives. And He says to us what He said through Jeremiah so many centuries ago, “Call to Me…” The way to hear from God is to call out to Him.
He said that if you will call out, He will answer you. God is a God of His Word. You call and He answers. I can think of no better way to start the year.
Not only did God say He would answer you when you call, but He also declared that He would tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
These great and mighty things are unknown to you, but He will make them known. That means that these things will be new to you.
Are you and I prepared for the new which God has prepared for us? Are we really?
New means that the old is gone. New means that you let go of what was to step into what God has prepared. Now, don’t get me wrong—I believe in being a student of the past and learning from its wisdom. I believe in overcoming the devil with the word of my testimony. I believe in peering at memorial stones and receiving encouragement from their mighty witness. When Isaiah spoke of not bringing to mind or even pondering the things of the past, he did not intend for God’s people to forsake their rich history; no, he was instructing them to expect God to do a fresh thing, a miraculous thing now, in their time—just like He did a fresh and miraculous thing in the past. In other words, sometimes God’s people can get so tied to past ways of doing things that they are too rigid to receive what He wants to do now—it’s either the way we did it before or it’s no way. And here’s God, ready to move, but He is blocked by human insistence as to how it should be done.
However, there are other things hiding in the past that were never from God. These old things, if allowed, have a way of slithering their way into the present, bringing with them the poison of the past. Perhaps God is seeking to bring you into a new thing, but you insist on nurturing past wounds, hurts, or misperceptions. Quite frankly, only you can prevent God from doing a new thing in your life. If you’re on board with Him—if you let go of the past—then no one can stop God from moving in your life.
Listen to what Paul said. “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). He was speaking of all the honors and prestige he had acquired in his life—those things he cast aside without a qualm to follow Christ. By the same token, others cling tenaciously to the opposite—a “victim” mentality—considering it gain. Perhaps you, yourself, have felt justified in holding on to bitterness or resentment. Perhaps, in your mind, “they” deserve your disdain. Even if clinging to those things has “comforted” you by making you feel validated in your pain, it’s time to count old wounds as loss for the sake of Christ.
Whether it’s prestige or poison, Paul said to “count them but rubbish” so that you “may gain Christ” (see Philippians 3:8). Here is the goal: that you may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of [your] own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith” (verse 9).
My guess is that the new thing that God wants to accomplish in your life and mine has something to do with this: “that [we] may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that [we] may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (verse 10). We can’t proceed in any of this, however, if we insist upon clinging to either end of the spectrum—past honors or past hurts.
So what do you do? Paul said it this way: “...one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (verses 13b-14).
Indeed, there’s a time to look back and a time to stop looking back. Anything that hinders you from reaching forward to what lies ahead of you in Christ is something you must lay aside; and anything that overshadows the goal for the prize in your life of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus is something that you must forget.
Let nothing stop you from calling out to God; let nothing muffle the sweet sound of His response. Let nothing hinder that new thing which He has prepared for you; let neither prestige nor poison block you from the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
May God’s grace empower you to press on in Christ for all you’re worth this year. Happy New Year!
Dorothy
Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19
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