The Danger of Teaching

I love to teach. Specifically, I love to teach the Bible. And I particularly love to teach the Bible to people desperate to learn. Fortunately, I have a consistent opportunity to do so – at the church I pastor, at the seminary where I teach, and on occasion, in another nation (such as in Kenya on my most recent trip). But, as I teach, wherever I teach, I am often reminded of one verse, written by James, that warns of a stricter judgment on those who teach (James 3.1). That warning has never been more appropriate than this week.

On Sunday, I preached from Matthew 5.21-30. In this passage, Jesus equates unwarranted anger with murder and lustful looks with adultery. Talk about raising the bar! As humans, we may think these comparisons are unfair, but Jesus is not referring to our living as citizens of earth; rather, He is revealing what a citizen of heaven will do. The purpose of Jesus' sermon is to show what kingdom living and kingdom thinking are to be. He has introduced the kingdom (Matthew 4.17), called others to follow Him (4.19), and now is teaching about how to live accordingly. The teachings are not easy for us, but that is the point. Jesus raises the bar in such a way to show that we cannot be righteous without Him (c.f. 5.20).

And yet, as a teacher, I am held even more accountable. My righteousness comes from Jesus alone, but while we are all to live in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4.1), the calling of a teacher and pastor is a step above. Thus, it would be easier not to teach passages that are challenging in hopes I could claim ignorance. But such a claim would not hold even if I could say it truthfully – which is, in part, what James 3 is referencing.

Beyond Sunday, I taught at the seminary on Monday. This week’s topics were on how to listen for one class and keeping true to a vision for the other. Admittedly, I am not the best listener. I know the principles of listening, but I allow myself to be too busy at times to truly take the time to listen well. Thus, James 3.1 was relevant again. Then, a few hours later, I was teaching principles of leading a church based upon the corporate (and personal) vision. As I spoke, I was reminded of principles which I need to do a much better job of following.

So, three times in two days, James 3.1 was brought to the forefront of my mind. But teaching is a gift God has given me, and a calling He has made of me. I must teach which means I must strive to be better at the practicing of what I preach/teach. It is not that my desire is to not do what I teach (although as I blogged a couple of week’s ago, I/we am/are all hypocrites). But to do what you know to do, and what you teach others to do, requires extreme commitment. For instance, someone might respond to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5.21 that they haven’t physically murdered anyone. But can the same response be given about being unjustly angry at someone per Matthew 5.22? Only those who are extreme in their commitment will strive for such a goal. According to James 3.1, a teacher should be a person with that kind of extreme commitment. As a teacher, I hope that can be said of me – perhaps not always now, but prayerfully, it is who I am becoming.

So, yes, James warning must be understood by those who desire to teach. It is a dangerous position to hold in one sense, but it is a tremendous blessing to be called of God to help others know Him better (and about Him more). If God calls you to teach, I encourage you to respond eagerly for there is no greater honor, but heed James warning to be true to all parts of God’s truth – now matter how difficult the concept is to live by or to teach.