“Great is the responsibility of those who take upon themselves the guidance of a human soul” (Education, p. 280).

Ephesians 4:10-12 (New International Version)

“He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

“The teacher should have a more comprehensive education than can be gained by the study of books. He should possess not only strength but breadth of mind; should be not only whole-souled but large-hearted” (Education, p. 276).

“The cause of God needs teachers who have high moral qualities, and can be trusted with the education of others . . . who are sound in the faith, and have tact and patience; who walk with God, and abstain from the very appearance of evil; who stand so closely connected with God that they can be channels of light” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 583).

WHY TEACH?

I recently asked two friends a few questions about being a teacher. These were their honest thoughts”

>>What is the best thing about being a teacher?
Teacher A: The best thing about being a teacher is the daily interactions with young people. You are there on their good days, bad days, and everything in between. Also, it’s awesome building positive values in a classroom setting and modeling characteristics of being a young, on-fire Christian.

Teacher B: Being able to connect with kids, to see them learn something that makes them feel more confident in themselves, and to affirm them.

>>What is the worst thing about being a teacher?
Teacher A: All the paperwork, kids letting you down, being underappreciated and overworked!

Teacher B: Experiencing how cruel kids are to each other, and seeing discrimination and bullying constantly, and feeling helpless to effectively fight it. It is ingrained in school culture, and in the way kids try to find status and acceptance. Also, trying to control behavior and the frustration of not reaching the kids who need and deserve your attention or getting a body of knowledge not the students’ very distracted minds. Then there is also the never-ending workload that takes over your life, if you let it.

>>What do you wish students knew or could understand about teachers?
Teacher A: I wish my students would understand the 100 percent effort teachers put into their work. It isn’t just something they get up in the morning and do, like driving, but it is planned, organized (most of the time), and purposeful. I also wish students would understand that teachers are real people with feelings, hurts happiness, and all the rest.

Teacher B: That they are human, with feelings and a normal life. The way you are treated as a teacher is unheard of in normal child/adult relationships. Also, that we do care and are trying to help them.

>>Having been both, is it better to be a student or teacher?
Teacher A: Having to choose between being a student or a teacher is tough. I hated being a student in high school, but really caught on to the idea in university. Now, I find learning fun, interesting, and deeply challenging, so I often consider going back to school. That said, being a teacher is rewarding, and you are learning at the same time as well!

Teacher B: I think I learn more as a teacher, and am often relieved that I don’t have to do the work I’m asking the students to do! So I suppose a teacher is the better option.

Read “Today’s Reading.” You may need to think about you answer for a while before you give it.

1. Do teachers have your best interest in mind when they give your something hard to do? Explain.
   

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2. What is so important about learning? If you look in the Bible, there are many texts about learning, teachers, and teaching. Why do you think that is?
   

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3. Who is the ultimate teacher?
   

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Luke 6:39, 40 (Contemporary English Version)

“Jesus also used some sayings as he spoke to the people. He said:  

Can one blind person lead another blind person? Won't they both fall into a ditch? Are students better than their teacher? But when they are fully trained, they will be like their teacher.”

Proverbs 9:8-10 (New International Version)

“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’ ”

Proverbs 15:32, 33 (Contemporary English Version)

“You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.”

Proverbs 5:11-13 (New International Version)

“At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
You will say, ‘How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.’ ”

HERE’S WHAT I THINK

Two classmates have just received a bad grade for a class test. They are quite angry and threatening that their parents will complain to the school administration about your teacher, who they feel is picking on them.

You have been in the same class and know that your classmates are often disruptive in class, do little work, and probably deserved the grade they received. You know your teacher works hard to be fair and to make learning interesting. How do you respond if your classmates ask you to back up their story of unfair treatment?

Go to www.guidemagazine.org/rtf to post your response. However, it is still a good idea to write down your thoughts and feelings; sometimes they become clearer. The lines below are provided for you to write down your thoughts. Be honest and upfront. You may also wish to share your thoughts with your class later.

“Teachers are to watch over their students as the shepherd watches over the flock entrusted to his charge. They should care for souls as they that must give an account” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 65).

Psalm 32:7-9 (Contemporary English Version)

“You are my hiding place! You protect me from trouble, and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me.  You said to me, ‘I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher   and watch over you. Don't be stupid like horses and mules that must be led with ropes to make them obey.’ ”

“There is a time for training children and a time for educating youth, and it is essential that in school both of these be combined in a great degree. Children may be trained for the service of sin or for the service of righteousness. The early education of youth shapes their characters both in their secular and in their religious life. Solomon says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ This language is positive. The training which Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, and develop.”

“In order for parents and teachers to do this work, they must themselves understand ‘the way’ the child should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge of books. It takes in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, and holy. It comprehends the practice of temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to God and to one another. In order to attain this object, the physical, mental, moral, and religious education of children must have attention” (Child Guidance, p. 297).

1. Who was the first teacher? Who were being taught and where? (Genesis 2)
   

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2. Name some other teacher/shepherds in the Bible. (Exodus 3:1; 2 Samuel 7:8)
   

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3. What are some of the characteristics of sheep?
   

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4. Who were the two shepherds made into leaders? (Exodus 3:1; Psalm 34:11)
   

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5. What does a shepherd do?
   

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6. How are teachers like shepherds?
   

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“True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come” (Education, p.13).

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (New International Version)

 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.”

Exodus 33:12-14 (New International Version)

“Moses said to the LORD, ‘You have been telling me, “Lead these people,” but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.’
The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ ”

Matthew 4:23, 24 (New International Version)

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.”

SO WHAT?

Every day at school we are confronted by these strange people known as teachers. They are people who seem to be excited about the stuff that bores us. They seem to actually like math, history, and English—and all those formulas, rules, and dates. Or are they just putting on a brave face to try to convince us to learn these things? What kind of people are they?

As one gets older, one gets to know teachers as real people. Most teachers I know enjoy their job, most of the time. They enjoy learning, they enjoy teaching, they enjoy interacting with young people and helping them to learn and do the best they can.
Outside the classroom they are real people, too. They have families, go to church, play sports, go shopping, and do all those ordinary things. In some ways, being a teacher is just another job. But in other important ways, it is more than that, particularly for the best teachers. At its best, teaching is not just about learning stuff, it’s about teaching people to learn, to grow, and to think for themselves. Ultimately, it’s about the people themselves. The classroom setting provides an enormous opportunity for influence. That’s where a good teacher who is also a good person can make such a difference. And that’s why we should appreciate those teachers who demonstrate in their lives and classrooms that kind of commitment.

1. Do you have a favorite teacher? If so, describe him or her?
   

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2. Does your favorite teacher have any of the qualities that Jesus had?
   

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3. Does Jesus give us any example of what a teacher is like? Explain.
   

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4. Does doing God’s work make it easy for us when others don’t like us or don’t agree with us?
   

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5. In teaching others, is it important to be taught by God first? Explain.
   

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6. Can everyone be a teacher? Why or why not?
   

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7. Can everyone teach something?
   

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Match the verse with the texts. All texts this week are taken from the New Living Translation. You may find NLT online by going to Bible Gateway.

1. Exodus 18:20 ____________
2. Psalm 90:12 ____________
3. Proverbs 22:6 ___________
4. Proverbs 23:23___________
5. Matthew 10:24 ___________
6. Romans 12:7 ____________
7. Ephesians 4:11,12 _________
8. Titus 2:7 ___________

1. “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. . . .”
2. “Teach tell them God’s decrees, and gave them his instructions. . . .”
3. “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. . . .”
4. “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
5. “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.”
6. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older. . . .”
7. “Students are not greater than their teacher. . . .”
8. “Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom. . . .”

"‘The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.’ As a student, you must learn to see with your brain as well as your eyes. You must educate your judgment so that it shall not be feeble and inefficient. You must pray for guidance, and commit your way unto the Lord. You must close your heart against all foolishness and sin, and open it to every heavenly influence. You must make the most of your time and opportunities, in order to develop a symmetrical character. Fun and folly and indolence cannot be entertained as your guests, if you copy the pattern, Christ Jesus, and become daily more intelligent as to what you shall do to be saved.

“Youthful students, your life cannot be governed by impulse without proving an entire failure. You cannot follow your natural inclinations without meeting with a great loss. If you would move securely, you must keep the way of the Lord. Your understanding must be refined and purified; you must work according to God's plan, or fail to make a success. You must ever be growing and advancing in grace and knowledge. You will be able to do nothing acceptably in your school life without practicing habits of system and order. Haphazard work will bring certain failure (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 302).

“Our lifework here is a preparation for the life eternal. The education begun here will not be completed in this life; it will be going forward through all eternity—ever progressing, never completed. More and more fully will be revealed the wisdom and love of God in the plan of redemption. The Saviour, as He leads His children to the fountains of living waters, will impart rich stores of knowledge. And day by day the wonderful works of God, the evidences of His power in creating and sustaining the universe, will open before the mind in new beauty. In the light that shines from the throne, mysteries will disappear, and the soul will be filled with astonishment at the simplicity of the things that were never before comprehended” (Child Guidance, p. 298).

“Let teachers bear this in mind, and never lose sight of it when they are inclined to have their feelings stirred against the children and youth for any misbehavior; let them remember that the angels of God are looking upon them sorrowfully; for if the children do err and misbehave, then it is all the more essential that those who are placed over them as teachers should be able to teach them by precept and example. In no case are they to lose self-control, to manifest impatience and harshness, and want of sympathy and love; for these children are the property of Jesus Christ, and teachers must be very careful and God-fearing in regard to the spirit they cherish and the words they utter, for the children will catch the spirit manifested, be it good or evil. It is a heavy and a sacred responsibility” (Counsels on Education, p. 153).

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ME?

We all need friends, but friends come and go. Learning is life. When we stop learning, we stop really living. In a sense, we are always either a student or a teacher—or both at once. Anything less is missing out on the fullness of what life can be. Sometimes learning can happen almost by chance. It can even be fun. But at other times, learning can be just plain hard work. We need both. And curiously, learning often becomes fun after a foundation of skill or knowledge has been built by hard work.
But many students find the most fun in being able to share their skill or knowledge with others through teaching. That might mean helping a friend who is struggling with her math homework, taking time to help a younger brother or sister master a new skill, telling someone else about God, or even planning on becoming a fulltime schoolteacher. Whatever our stage in life, we can begin to share what has been given to us by our many teachers.

1. How is learning important?
   

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2. Why does God stress that we need to be taught?
   

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3. What is the most important thing to learn?
   

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4. Is learning with your brain the only way to learn?
   

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5. According to “Today’s Reading,” when can we stop learning?
   

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“For three years and a half the disciples were under the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. By personal contact and association, Christ trained them for His service. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestation of His power in behalf of the sick and the afflicted. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea or walking by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command the disciples to do this or that, but said, "Follow Me." On His journeys through country and cities, He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. They traveled with Him from place to place. They shared His frugal fare, and like Him were sometimes hungry and often weary. On the crowded streets, by the lakeside, in the lonely desert, they were with Him. They saw Him in every phase of life” (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 17, 18).

“Thus Christ sought to teach the disciples the truth that in God's kingdom there are no territorial lines, no caste, no aristocracy; that they must go to all nations, bearing to them the message of a Saviour's love. But not until later did they realize in all its fullness that God ‘hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.’ Acts 17:26, 27

“In these first disciples was presented marked diversity. They were to be the world's teachers, and they represented widely varied types of character. In order successfully to carry forward the work to which they had been called, these men, differing in natural characteristics and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action. This unity it was Christ's object to secure. To this end He sought to bring them into unity with Himself. The burden of His labor for them is expressed in His prayer to His Father, ‘That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us;’ ‘that the world may know that Thou has sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.’ John 17:21, 23. His constant prayer for them was that they might be sanctified through the truth; and He prayed with assurance, knowing that an Almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached to all nations for a witness; He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the battle with evil, and that the bloodstained banner would one day wave triumphantly over His followers” (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 20, 21).

1. As Jesus taught the disciples about their Heavenly Father, what other lesson did they learn? (Refer to “Today’s Reading.”)
   

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2. When Jesus said to His disciples “Follow me,” what did He mean?
   

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3. Why didn’t Jesus just tell the disciples what to do?
   

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4. If you want to teach someone something, is it easier to tell the person what to do, or to show him or her how it should be done? Which way do you prefer to learn?
   

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5. Is there anyone we shouldn’t teach?
   

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

Think of different ways to teach different things. Next to each of the activities, skill, or knowledge listed, suggest two different ways that might be most appropriate to teach the individual listed. Assume you are an expert in each of these activities.