Henry Brooks Adams, an American historian once remarked: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Titus 2:7-8 reminds us: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
One of the many definitions of teaching is said to be ideas or principles taught by an authority. It evokes the faculty of imparting knowledge and skills from one with experience or learning to another. If it is deemed as inspirational, it is often furnished in an encouraging, uplifting or heartening way. In some cases, the words or actions may be unorthodox, or even controversial, but somehow resonate with a unique lingerance or lasting impressive effect that clarifies, and strikes the nail precisely in the center of its head, thus creating a lasting impact. The words uttered become firmly embedded into the memory, recapturing the correct thought process of retention into another’s brain. It can even significantly change an outlook on life. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 reminds us: “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
Teaching is a complex task involving different approaches and expertise. Not only does it require good communication skills, to effectively deliver the message with understanding and interest, it may demand special gifts from God. Everyone in life has different learning capabilities. These may range from those regarded as simpleminded or slow learners to adept academics. The issue describing inept or slow learners is not always correct in the assumption of a lack of capability, it can realistically relate solely to a lack of understanding.
Encouragement during teaching aids understanding in both adults and children. If someone receives the right stimulation from the tutor, their receptive response will often increase dramatically. This approach is easily manageable on an individual or small group basis, but where would you start if teaching to a large crowd? The only hope of effective success is with the help and words of God. In this way, even though the words spoken may appear normal to all, each person receives the message in a divine way with a significant, but special ease of understanding, rather like glossolalia. Mark 16:17 Confirms: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” However, traditional vocabulary is equally as effective. Proverbs 2:2-5 reminds us: “Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Jesus is considered one of the greatest teachers of all time. When Jesus started His ministry on earth, part of it involved teaching in small groups, the other to the vastness of multitudes. There is a great difference needed in the style of approach between the two. Jesus had to adopt a variety of methods to make His words comprehensible. These included stories, parables, questions, the words of God etc. Matthew 4:12-25 reminds us: “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.”
It has been said that knowledge from teaching does not always last forever, time fades the memory cells and important, but critical information becomes forgotten or distorted through lack of use. However, when that teacher actually represents the truth of eternity itself, such as in the case of Jesus Christ, the knowledge acquired not only enhances the present quality of life, it can last forever. It continues in a forward motion from this life to the next. The knowledge is sustained throughout the daily lives of a person as a constant reminder, which is called to mind frequently, and eventually transforms into the reality of a new life in heaven. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us: “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
A passion and a faith in what one teaches can significantly influence others and leave an imprint both in their body and soul. The subject being learned becomes more enjoyable as its difficulty and fear eases and far more knowledge is eventually gleaned and sustained. The real hope of effective success is with the help and words of God. His words reflect the truth of life that can’t be distorted, they are everlasting and can be uplifting in heart which encourages peace and happiness of mind. Proverbs 2:2-5 reminds us: “Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
A conviction, passion and a faith in what one teaches has always been at the core of learning. It can significantly influence the student or listener and leave a special but invisible imprint within. Teaching can create a change of outlook. Perspectives take on a new role. With knowledge comes a diversity of actions and a different thought process. God’s teachings are always inspirational and often imparted through the words of the Bible. These words give us not only hope, but can provide comfort as well. They are the words of truth that give guidance and assurance to many. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Amen.
