October 13, 2025 | Be God's Family
Those Who Teach
Scripture: James 3:1-2(NIV)
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
Devotional
In my family, teachers are regarded as belonging to a very noble profession. They are revered. My mother was a teacher. My sister is a teacher. My husband was a teacher for several years. Teaching is very noble, but it is also a very important profession. It is not to be taken lightly.
It is important that those who teach know the subject for what they teach. This is especially important for teachers in the church.
James’ warning is that not everyone should be teachers. Because they are judged so strictly, they need to practice what they preach. Before anyone can become a teacher, they should learn the law, learn the scripture so that they can truly teach God’s word.
James warns us that teachers will be judged more harshly than others. Yikes. I am nervous just writing this devotional. What if I am teaching the wrong thing!
James reminds us that we all stumble. If we didn’t stumble, we would be perfect. And no one is perfect. We are all sinners. But we must not stumble in the word. We all stumble but we all must carry on.
How do we carry on our fundamental duties as Christians which is to make disciples of all nations if we cannot teach. We must teach by sharing the Word. But we must be careful that we truly know the Word and that we truly understand what we are teaching. We must strive to be led by God so that it is God’s Word we are teaching.
Poem
Wisdom For Teachers
Proverbs 9
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Proverbs 9:7-9
A teacher needs great knowledge
On subject being taught
But facts and skill are not enough
When learning deep is sought
Discerning eye is needed
Perusing student log
Where is the one who’s humble
Which one their mockings fog
For teaching needs great wisdom
When meting out life’s aim
Responsible the teacher--
The student’s not to blame
So teacher, heed this warning
When leading, please beware
Check every word and attitude
Be careful truth to share
