Word@Work James25 - James 3:1-2
Published: Mon, 03/16/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TEACHERS' PERFORMANCE
James 3:1-2 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. (NIV)
It is reasonable for us to expect a higher standard of motoring skills from a driving instructor, than from somebody who has just started to drive. It is not just a matter of personal integrity, but also the influence the instructor has over the driving habits of many others. Every teacher is accountable for 'doing' as well as 'teaching': if he or she cannot do it themselves, then they will spread danger to others. In this verse, James is pointing to the self-appointed teachers who have a lot to say in the church (cf Titus 1:10-11). Opening your mouth brings a huge responsibility, if you cannot do it right, don't presume to teach it!
But, as James goes on to say, everybody stumbles. Perfection means perfect control over every part of the body ... and only Jesus has achieved that. So where does that leave those of us who teach God's Word in church or small group, or who have responsibility to teach children or grandchildren? The answer is that if we are given the responsibility, we are accountable for getting it right. That is why parents need as much inspiration from God's Holy Spirit as any preacher on Sunday: also, why those who hear the preacher should be twice as eager to listen, than to presume to know better.
Many readers will teach others in the workplace, either in formal lectures or seminars or as mentors/overseers. Most are not theological tutors but, in addition to their subject (retail, engineering, book-keeping or healthcare) they will also implicitly teach the values that have shaped their character. If you are a Christian, you are responsible and accountable to show the life of Christ in speech, body language and actions. The next 10 verses are going to focus on the things that we say: so today is a good day to remember that Jesus said, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). James had remembered; so it is important that we do not forget!
Prayer: Dear Lord God. I realise that You know everything, and know what I am going to say before I speak; but please help me to remember the responsibility you have given to me to say what is true and gracious. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
It is reasonable for us to expect a higher standard of motoring skills from a driving instructor, than from somebody who has just started to drive. It is not just a matter of personal integrity, but also the influence the instructor has over the driving habits of many others. Every teacher is accountable for 'doing' as well as 'teaching': if he or she cannot do it themselves, then they will spread danger to others. In this verse, James is pointing to the self-appointed teachers who have a lot to say in the church (cf Titus 1:10-11). Opening your mouth brings a huge responsibility, if you cannot do it right, don't presume to teach it!
But, as James goes on to say, everybody stumbles. Perfection means perfect control over every part of the body ... and only Jesus has achieved that. So where does that leave those of us who teach God's Word in church or small group, or who have responsibility to teach children or grandchildren? The answer is that if we are given the responsibility, we are accountable for getting it right. That is why parents need as much inspiration from God's Holy Spirit as any preacher on Sunday: also, why those who hear the preacher should be twice as eager to listen, than to presume to know better.
Many readers will teach others in the workplace, either in formal lectures or seminars or as mentors/overseers. Most are not theological tutors but, in addition to their subject (retail, engineering, book-keeping or healthcare) they will also implicitly teach the values that have shaped their character. If you are a Christian, you are responsible and accountable to show the life of Christ in speech, body language and actions. The next 10 verses are going to focus on the things that we say: so today is a good day to remember that Jesus said, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). James had remembered; so it is important that we do not forget!
Prayer: Dear Lord God. I realise that You know everything, and know what I am going to say before I speak; but please help me to remember the responsibility you have given to me to say what is true and gracious. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk