7 Bible Tips for Teachers!
What would education be without a teacher? It's almost inconceivable to imagine. Teachers not only impart information, but they model life. As someone once said, “A teacher impacts eternity; one never knows when his or her influence will end.” In fact, Luke 6:40 goes on to say that when a child is fully trained, the child will be like his or her teacher.Having been a teacher for several years, I have heard and read many sayings that relate to teaching: “Teachers have class.” “To teach is to touch a life forever.” “A teacher preserves the past, reveals the present, and creates the future.” All of these are great platitudes, but the greatest saying concerning a teacher is found in the Bible. John 3:2, referring to Jesus, says, “Thou art a teacher come from God.”I take this scripture as my own, and it validates me as an educator. It encourages me on those days when I feel nothing is going right, no one else cares, and it is just not worth it! Remember Jesus had twelve students or disciples, and it did not go perfectly for Him all the time either. His students just did not get it sometimes. He taught in parables, gave them object lessons, practicums, and evaluations, but still in the Scriptures we see where Jesus always had to reteach a lesson because some did not get it the first time.Does any of this sound familiar? Actually, Jesus had students with special needs: Peter and Judas. I believe that Peter, because of his behavior, would be in a behavior modification program today. At times, he was very unstable and unpredictable. Judas was a thief, and in our day, he would be in an alternative school or a juvenile detention center.
This scripture (John 3:2) informs you of the simple fact that teaching is not just a profession but a calling from God.
Jesus wants to use you to impact the lives of the students He has placed in your care. If no one else cares, you do; and because you are called of God and depending on Him, you will make the difference in the lives of your students.As I mentioned earlier, Jesus’ students were not perfect, but He loved them and continued to teach and pray for them. Jesus expected the disciples to understand and operate in the principles He taught. In John 8:31-32, He admonishes them to continue in what He has taught, which would cause them to know the truth; and the truth that they know would make them free.God also is counting on you to teach your students. Continue to encourage them to study and increase in knowledge, because that which they know can never be taken away, only built upon, and will cause them to be free from poverty, failure, dropping out, etc.Remember, if you teach school, you also are a teacher come from God. May the following prayers, scriptures, and confessions assist you in your endeavors to please God with your life and be the teacher He has called you to be!
T.E.A.C.H.E.R.: 7 Bible-based Tips
# 1 -- T -- Trust God.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
# 2 -- E -- Expect your students to succeed.
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed… (Philippians 1:20).
# 3 -- A -- A void immorality and misconduct.
That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor (1 Thessalonians 4:4 AMPC).
# 4 -- C -- Create the atmosphere for all students to achieve.
Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8 AMPC).
# 5 -- H -- Hone skills in classroom management.
And all your [spiritual] children shall be disciples (students) [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children (Isaiah 54:13 AMPC).
# 6 -- E -- Endeavor to include parents in the educational process.
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19).
# 7 -- R -- Reward students for their accomplishments.
The slothful…does not catch his game…but the diligent…gets precious possessions (Proverbs 12:27 AMPC).