"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." (James 3:1) I believe we lose the meaning of this statement by James, because we don't hold it to the subject of the whole chapter. James chapter 3 deals with the use of tongue, and how the tongue, when it is not used in the right way, can cause a lot of damage. Teachers have a greater responsibility, because they use their tongues in their vocation. They have a greater opportunity to influence a lot of people. And it's not just by what they say, but how they live. Teachers are in the public eye, and as it has been illustrated:
"They live in glass houses." James begins this section of his letter, by emphasizing the seriousness of the use of the tongue. It can be used to bring about positive results in it's affect, or negative results. The choice is ours. In essence, as Christians, we are all teachers. We are all to exhibit, by what we say and do, a Christ-like mind, and Christ-like character. If we are going to teach by our lives, than we better have control over our tongues, and weigh every word that we say. That is an awesome task, but one that can be accomplished, if we choose first of all to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, right at the start! GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 18 November 2013
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