The story is told of a Children’s Ministry staff, who was once engaging the children during divine liturgy one morning. As part of her presentation, she asked each child about their ambitions. Before she had fully completed her question, a little girl shot her hand up.
‘Me, me, me.’, she asserted. Without missing a beat, she continued; ‘I’d like to be a teacher because I love to beat (hit) others.’
The room was silent. Everyone, including the Christian educator, tried to figure out the best response.
What was your ambition when you were younger, and why? How close are you to realizing those goals? What if you discover that God’s called you to teach, would your desire and motive shift? Consider
Today’s Holy Nougat.
2 Timothy 2:24 NIV
[24] And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
A Call to Teach
On the one hand, it is easy to dismiss our Nougat because it is directly addressed to Timothy. Moreover, not all of us have the perspicacity or the desire to be involved with Christian education – not with adults, not with children, not seniors, or youth.
But, if our desire when reading the Bible is to understand God’s desires and plans for our lives, then we must reflect as though the words are also directed towards us, as direction, advice, encouragement, or caution. In that case, we must take our Nougat seriously.
Self-Check
How do we read the Bible – as a pastime, for instruction and spiritual growth, for fulfilling expectations, for correcting others, or not at all? (You are welcome to add other reasons)
Application
The fact is, we are all called to be examples to others. Sometimes, that includes teaching. In fact, what Paul is actually saying, according to the original text, is that anyone who understands themselves to be God’s servant (doulos = slave or bond servant) provides instructions to others. Every one of us. Including you, even me.
Do you remember the sayings, ‘You are the only Bible some people get to read’, and, ‘Preach the Bible, use words when necessary’? They may be a bit cliché, but they’re both applicable. Life is filled with so many teaching-learning moments, and as God’s servants, we get to be part of the profound in/formal teaching.
It begins with knowing and applying God’s Word in all we do and say. That’s the not so easy part. For, afterwards, we place ourselves in God’s hands, and as we lean into God, the teaching opportunities will reveal themselves. Sometimes, we won’t even be aware of them. Of course, the invitation to explain, instruct, etc., may arise … in those moments, God will equip us.
So, how about it? Do we want to teach so we help someone get closer to God, or are we excited about the opportunities to beat?
Point to Ponder
God’s desire to teach others from our lives is an honour, not a burden.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
