By“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” — James 3:1 NIV
I’m not a teacher by profession. But I’ve taught some children before. And one thing I learnt throughout that short period of my life was that no teacher can teach others something he himself doesn’t know. And because of this reality, it’s good to prepare by learning what you plan to teach before coming before the audience. This principle applies to preachers but in a more intense way.
Because doctrine is contagious and directly affects people’s way of life, Apostle James sent a warning to a set of believers at the time of his epistle’s writing that not many of them should become teachers. Why is that? It’s because teachers will be judged more strictly, not just by God but by people. That is why Paul said in Romans 2:21 NIV that,
“you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?”
Romans 2:21 NIV
All teachers of the Word must live by example because both God and people are watching their lives.
Shepherding souls is a spiritual work. And no matter what you say, if your life isn’t a testimony to what you’re preaching, people can gather in church but won’t practise what you teach them. That is why there’s nothing God will tell you to do that He cannot do.
What feeds your thoughts are what you listen to, see and read.
Pastor Craig Groescel once said, “Your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts.” So what feeds your thoughts are what you listen to, see and read.
That is why it’s important not to listen to secular music because the lyrics in such evil songs will have a negative impact on your mind.
From today, make a firm decision to feed your mind with the right content – the Word of God, whether in music, books, videos, podcasts and physical conversations. For what you listen to will impact your life. Choose wisely!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the enlightenment that what I listen to, read and see affects my thinking patterns. In the name of Jesus, I choose to feed my mind with the right content – Your Word, in every area of media content consumption. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 241
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