My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive stricter judgment.     James 3:1 NKJV

We are all given various gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul explains that there are various gifts, but all are distributed by the same spirit. Some are called to preach. Preachers teach from the pulpit. And then there are teachers that teach in Bible study.

God calls on us to serve Him using the gifts He has given to us. Jesus said in Luke 12:47-48 in Jesus’ parable about the faithful servant and the evil servant, “And that servant who know his master’s will and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committing things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

When the spirit calls us to teach or to lead in some way, we must remember that we are leaders. We are being carefully watched by others. Some watch in hopes that we will fail and others watch because they may want what we have or they may be seeking the peace and joy we have found in the Lord. This is our silent witness, and this is who we draw others to Christ.

This should never be taken lightly. We know those around us may hold us to a higher standard, but we also know from our Scripture passage that God will judge us with a stricter judgment. Jude verses 14-15 explain it this way, “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men, also, saying: ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deed which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

Preachers and Teachers have the attention of an audience that is wanting to learn more about the Lord and the Bible. And James wants us to understand the importance of that calling. James goes on to talk about bridling the tongue. So, while a big part of the preacher and teachers’ job is to speak to others, it’s also important that we be careful of the things we do and say even when we are not in church or we are not teaching. People look to preachers and teachers on how they should live their lives. People may also be disappointed when they see them doing something that goes against God’s will.

There are many positions where we can exert influence over someone else. This may include being someone’s schoolteacher, coach, boss, mentor, or even a close friend they look to for advice.

It’s critical that when we have been placed in a position where we may exert any influence over someone else that we take it very seriously.

Colossians 3:23 encourages all believers to be sure that their actions reflect God’s standards, not merely human standards when it says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” 1 Corinthians 4″2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” This emphasizes the great responsibility of managing whatever God has entrusted to us. This is whether we are given the role of spouse, parent, preacher or teacher.

If God has placed you in any position where you may exert influence over another person, make it a good and godly influence. As human beings we all slip and fall, but we need to be sure that we never cause another to slip and fall. The Bible refers to this as putting up stumbling blocks and we don’t want to do that.

Have a great day!