Teachers
Today the congregation honors our Bible class teachers. Solomon wrote in
Ecclesiastes “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). The elders have determined today as the
time to express appreciation for those of our number dedicated to teaching
the word of God. Why should teachers be so honored? The answer is
found in what they do as described in the following acrostic.
T is for the
time they unselfishly use in lesson preparation and presentation. Many
hours are spent at home studying the section of Bible for the up-coming class.
Additional time is often required for finding and preparing teaching aids to
help reinforce the important points of the portion of the Bible covered in
class. Many times these aids help the student remember the Bible lesson
years later. Many of you can probably remember back to a favorite teacher and
some of the important truths you learned and continue to live by. For this
use of time we are grateful.
E is for the
effort put forth to educate the students in the timeless truth of the Bible.
Education in no other field better prepares one for life and the life to come.
When one properly understands and applies the Bible, then he or she is well
prepared to face life in this world, and is traveling the path to eternal life
with God.
A is for an
active member of the body of Christ. The teacher is filling an important
place in the body of Christ, and also sets an example for the students to
imitate in the future. They are heading Paul’s admonition in 2 Timothy
2:2, “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
C is for the
Christ they always hold up before their students. Teachers in the Bible
class understand it is Jesus, not the teacher, preacher, elders, or any other
human that must be the focus of their teaching and their lives. Their goal is to
encourage the students to do the same.
H is for the
heart devoted to God. Teachers of the Bible have hearts devoted to God and
His service. They understand the need to set the example of such devotion
and then strive to help their students develop wholehearted devotion to God as
well.
E is for enthusiasm.
Their love for God and the souls of the students is shown in their enthusiastic
devotion to the work and service of our Lord.
R is for
respect. First the respect they show and teach for God. Second, for the
repect they deserve for the work they do.
—Denny