James 3:3 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

This verse comes to mind before every Bible class I teach… scary! BUT I think it’s not limited to that.

James is about to go into the responsibility we have (and the danger involved) with our words. If I have one pattern of failure in life it’s that I speak too soon, too often, and too much!

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers.” Don’t go around being a know-it-all. Don’t go around looking for people to talk to because you believe they’ll gain a lot from you.

Those “who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Why? Because people listen and… take action… based on our words. Literally, our words can alter the course of lives. And those of us who stand before crowds have incredible influence.

People are more open to and trust the guy or gal from the stage. They are waiting for words of hope, encouragement, and direction. The vast majority listen without a filter. FEW people are like the Bereans…

Acts 17:11
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

So let’s be careful out there teachers! Let’s accept our responsibility with humility and even with fear. It’s an honor that people will even listen to us. Even more so that God is willing to use us to shape others for Him – whether it’s in a classroom, the stage or a stadium.

Live Your Mission!

Paul