James 3:1-2
Jam 3:1
Let not many {of you} become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
Jam 3:2
For we all stumble in many {ways.} If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
This passage has recently been very close to my heart. I have read it over and over and over and concluded that this passage is speaking to me as an answered prayer. Keith and I struggled with the realization that we were not to complete seminary training. One might suggest that we were never actually "called" to the ministry; however the Lord certainly placed us in the right place at the right time according to his plan. We believe that the Lord called us also away from that place and has other plans for us.
This passage actually implies some relief of sorts for us. We WERE teachers, but only for a short time. I pray that the Lord's grace covers any mistakes we may have made during those adventures and thank him that we are relieved of these duties for the time being. I do feel that the Lord will call us back into youth ministry eventually, but he's allowing us to rest and re-charge for a time now.
Given this warning that "teachers" will be judged more strictly is definitely an eye opener. It reminds me that we must be so careful and deliberate when serving in a teaching role. It also mentions the fact that ONE leader can cause a multitude to stumble. Sometimes we do not realize how much the younger generation looks to us as leaders. I can remember a time in seminary when I cleaned off the movie shelf disposing of any movies that I felt may have been viewed as inappropriate. I figured that if the youth saw them on our bookshelf, then they should be permitted to watch them.
Being called to ministry... to be a teacher... is a calling to live a particular standard. One thing I learned at seminary is that these people who are called to this purpose are actually "real" people. They struggle with sin just like anyone else. I think sometimes we think of our church leaders as those who struggle less with sin, but this is not so. They struggle daily with much the same sins as anyone else.
To be free from this assignment for this time is very precious; however we pray that God will lead us along his path showing us our next assignment as it comes. We also pray for willing hearts and spirits as his will is revealed to us.
Let not many {of you} become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
Jam 3:2
For we all stumble in many {ways.} If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
This passage has recently been very close to my heart. I have read it over and over and over and concluded that this passage is speaking to me as an answered prayer. Keith and I struggled with the realization that we were not to complete seminary training. One might suggest that we were never actually "called" to the ministry; however the Lord certainly placed us in the right place at the right time according to his plan. We believe that the Lord called us also away from that place and has other plans for us.
This passage actually implies some relief of sorts for us. We WERE teachers, but only for a short time. I pray that the Lord's grace covers any mistakes we may have made during those adventures and thank him that we are relieved of these duties for the time being. I do feel that the Lord will call us back into youth ministry eventually, but he's allowing us to rest and re-charge for a time now.
Given this warning that "teachers" will be judged more strictly is definitely an eye opener. It reminds me that we must be so careful and deliberate when serving in a teaching role. It also mentions the fact that ONE leader can cause a multitude to stumble. Sometimes we do not realize how much the younger generation looks to us as leaders. I can remember a time in seminary when I cleaned off the movie shelf disposing of any movies that I felt may have been viewed as inappropriate. I figured that if the youth saw them on our bookshelf, then they should be permitted to watch them.
Being called to ministry... to be a teacher... is a calling to live a particular standard. One thing I learned at seminary is that these people who are called to this purpose are actually "real" people. They struggle with sin just like anyone else. I think sometimes we think of our church leaders as those who struggle less with sin, but this is not so. They struggle daily with much the same sins as anyone else.
To be free from this assignment for this time is very precious; however we pray that God will lead us along his path showing us our next assignment as it comes. We also pray for willing hearts and spirits as his will is revealed to us.
posted by Jthemilker at
10:43 PM
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