Teaching to Please God

In the society of first century Palestine, teachers held a position of great honor. Teachers had followers like the “groupies” who follow rock stars today. With such great honor attached to the profession, you can see why many wanted to become teachers at that time. James, the brother of Jesus, was concerned about Christians who wanted to be teachers for the wrong reasons. He wrote, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

James wanted all would-be teachers – both then and now – to teach whenever and wherever God gives opportunity, whether it’s in the family, at church or on the job. But he was warning us, “Don’t be a teacher to gain importance or to get respect, teach to please God and to shape the lives of your students.” 

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