Part 2
James 3:1 KJV
[1] “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”
A Sunday School teacher should be honest. If there is anything a teacher should be known for, it should be telling the truth. A teacher should be careful not to embellish or try to “beef up” a story to make it sound better. People should be able to depend on the teacher to stick with the truth of the text. The Bible is not to be used or twisted to say what we want it to say. People should never sit under a teacher that they cannot trust. A teacher should be honest not just in teaching but in their daily lives and business dealings. Who wants to hear a teacher who doesn’t tithe or pay their bills?
A Sunday School teacher should be helpful. The attitude of a teacher is vitally important. It is not only what we say but how we say it. It’s also the character of the individual when they are away from the podium. Have you ever heard of someone who had the gift to teach but had a poor Christian character? It taints their teaching because we know them on a personal level. On the other hand, we have listened to someone teach whom we greatly respected, and that weighed heavily on their teaching. Their lifestyle made the truths that they taught come alive.
Finally, a Sunday School teacher should be hopeful. A teacher is to be an example and an encouragement to everyone with whom they come in contact. Being a teacher is not just once a week in a classroom but sharing every day with those around you. Teaching is not a calling; it is a gift that should be taken seriously and never misused or abused with the tongue. I know these truths are right because preaching also includes teaching. A preacher must abide by these same truths and so much the more!