“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” James 3:1
One of the things I have noticed during the forty-one years I have been in the ministry is the great number of people “called” to be preachers and teachers.I think there is a vision of a place of recognition and honor associated with presenting the Word of God. Standing in front of people and presenting your ideas has an unquestionable appeal, especially if you enjoy talking.
Sadly, many of the “called” have fallen by the wayside or disappeared into the crowd. The genuine call of God is not measured by “success” (the world’s idea) but by faithfulness. “Be ye faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Jeremiah was not “successful,” but he was faithful. He never changed the message he received from God in order to gain the approval of the people. True success is being faithful to God’s calling on our lives. Whatever you do, do with all your might as unto the Lord. This applies from the least of these to the greatest.
As a “teacher” of God’s Word, I will have to give an account of what I teach people. This is a sobering thought to me. It is a weighty task not to be taken lightly. Fear and trembling accompany every presentation of God’s words that I give.
The most important thing I must ask myself is,”Have I presented the Truth?”