July 13, 2010

"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." James 3:1-2

Did you ever have a perfect teacher? I'm sure you would remember if you did!

I had some very good ones. Each of them impacted my life in significant ways. But I can't say I ever had a perfect teacher.

What would a perfect teacher look like? How would you know?

James comments on that. He says that a perfect teacher is one who never says the wrong thing and therefore, says the right things. If a person can control his tongue he will have his life under control.

You can trust someone like that! You can learn from someone like that!

And, his challenge is this: until you get your speech under control, don't aspire to teach. Teaching and leading is far too important to leave to immature amatuers. Teachers and leaders have tremendous influence and if they have not gained control over their toungue they will disgrace themselves, discredit the Gospel and do harm to others.

When I was a kid my mom always said, "What you say is what you are!"

James agree with that! If you say you are a leader or a teacher but if your speech and your conversations are negative, or untrue, or unkind, you will betray your immature heart.

Leaders lead by example and teacher's lessons are "caught" as they are taught. Words mean things and have powerful significance. Therefore, the words of a teacher must come out of a mature, consecrated, and learned heart. Until then, don't be in a big rush to teach.

How is your heart? How are your words and your speech? What are you willing to do to change?