“Give and Get”As I write this, I am studying for the last Wednesday night Bible class that I will teach for a while. As planned, my last night teaching will also be our last night with the prophet Daniel, so it will be an ending for me in many ways. Naturally, teaching a class of any kind is a serious responsibility. There is a lot of pressure to familiarize yourself with a subject so thoroughly that you feel confident instructing others. It takes quite a bit of time and study, and planning to lead a class properly. Oftentimes being merely instructive is not enough; the class has to be engaging and interesting, even entertaining to the students. Making that possible also takes quite a bit of time and effort and planning. And, admittedly, when we take on the responsibility of teaching the Word of God, we are held to a higher standard. “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” [James 3:1] So, yes, teaching a class is a big commitment; a big responsibility. But, do you know what else it is? Teaching is a fun job; it’s fun. I look forward to the free exchange of ideas and the interaction I have every Wednesday night class. I am always encouraged by the participation and anxious to hear the ideas of others; and I usually end up learning a few more things myself almost every study we have together. Teaching a class is not only fun, but also a fortifying experience. Teaching a class increases faith, and builds great habits. I read my Bible more now than I ever have; and teaching has even changed the way I read it. I now read scripture keeping an eye out how I might relate this passage and its content to someone else effectively. I’m infinitely grateful that I have the opportunity to teach and give myself a chance to grow. Searching the Scriptures has become a habit for me, and a trait that is praised in the Bereans we encounter in Acts: “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” [Acts 17:11] Teaching also builds another great habit to get into: consistent attendance. The service depends on you, and let me tell you, it’s a motivator. Over the years, there have been plenty of Wednesday nights, after a long day at work, that I just skipped services, saying I was “too tired”. But teaching has shown me that even though I may be tired, I have never truly been “too tired” to attend. When you are a teacher you are there, rain or shine, tired or no. Teaching builds spiritual and physical stamina. Over the past three months plus, I have enjoyed taking on the challenges associated with leading a Bible study. As I was studying, and planning lessons, and reading scripture, and even while actually teaching the class itself, I realized something that I hadn’t considered before: the more I put into the class, the more I got out of it. There is an old Army slogan which goes: “it’s the toughest job you’ll ever love”. As I reach the end of my term as a teacher, I have come to realize that this was the case for me with teaching, and the best part is: it’s not even all that tough. I hope in the coming months that there are others who decide to take up the challenge I chose to. I hope others aren’t afraid to take a risk. If you take that risk, and take hold of that challenge with both hands and master it, the rewards are great. I truly believe
that I have received much more than I have given as a teacher. I believe
teachers or potential teachers should all ask themselves a question:
how much are you willing to put in? If you are willing to give, you
are going to be surprised at how much you get back in return. — Paul Seely, October 2, 2011 |