Leadership: Teaching

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus 2:7-8 (ESV)

Even at 70+, I can still name my elementary school teachers:) In high school, I was assigned James Gasque. He taught English and writing superbly. He influenced my direction in life. Through him, I felt valued and capable… at an especially difficult time.

I had a small handful of bad teachers, who were “vacant”, hateful, or unhappy. Between the bad and the best were “the rest.” Their hearts weren't in it, so neither was mine.

God reminds us that teaching is leading. It’s a crucial responsibility that helps or harms impressionable minds:

'We who teach will be judged more strictly' (James 3:1). 'For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required' (Luke 12:48).

Jesus, the Man, was called “Rabbi” (Teacher). The way He related to everyone… is the example Christians should copy.

  • He was plain spoken and unpretentious.

  • His preaching used relatable stories.

  • He met people exactly where they were:

  • Kind to the humble; blunt to the haughty.

  • He never forced anyone to listen,

  • But He did list the causes and effects…

  • Of the good and bad decisions we make,

  • Yielding heavenly or hellish results.

  • Christ was never too tired to stop and help,

  • And focused His time on “the least” of us.

He spoke like a Boss, loved like a Father, cleared up religious misinformation, and walked His path like a humble Servant. 

'Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart' (Matthew 11:29).

He asked immeasurably less of us than what He willingly, lovingly gave.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Teaching, especially by example, is part of your performance destiny. DO act and speak in truth with gracious words:

'A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth...' (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Act like you teach and teach by how you act: in compelling and relatable truth. Don't avoid teaching. Just do it kindly.

Leadership: Teachers (Part 33)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban