HONORING THOSE WHO SERVESince 9/11, there has been a mounting emphasis on showing proper respect for those who serve our country in meritorious ways. Many Americans go out of their way to honor military personnel, firefighters, police officers and first responders. This is as it should be. Paul wrote, “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” (Rom 13:7)
As Christians, do we demonstrate honor to those who sacrifice time and energy in service to God and His church? Although this includes missionaries, elders, deacons, preachers, secretaries and committee heads, one group is often overlooked – Bible class teachers.
Without their selfless service, the church would be at a loss. After all, most churches can adequately function for weeks without their preacher, but can the same be said if all the teachers left town at once?
Below are 5 ways we can display honor to our Bible class teachers:
1) Attend Bible class. Gift cards and special dinners are nice gestures, but most teachers would exchange many cards or dinners for well-attended classes. Most work hard to prepare for class, and seeing YOU present makes them feel their efforts are worth it.
2) Arrive for class early. Although unforeseeable circumstances may cause us to be late, most of us can arrive in plenty of time if we determine to do so. It will help if we remember how important our promptness is to our teacher. Habitually tardy students often discourage teachers.
3) Show respect in class. Although there is nothing wrong with POLITELY expressing a difference of opinion, Bible class is rarely suitable for a debate. If needed, offer to meet privately with the teacher, then encourage him to continue with the lesson.
4) Pray for your teacher regularly, and inform him or her that you are doing so. Few things inspire a teacher more than knowing that someone is praying for him or her!
5) Send your teacher cards or notes of appreciation. It means a great deal to a teacher when he or she is reminded that their efforts are valued.
God’s faithful teachers deserve our respect and honor. Let’s show it!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
As Christians, do we demonstrate honor to those who sacrifice time and energy in service to God and His church? Although this includes missionaries, elders, deacons, preachers, secretaries and committee heads, one group is often overlooked – Bible class teachers.
Without their selfless service, the church would be at a loss. After all, most churches can adequately function for weeks without their preacher, but can the same be said if all the teachers left town at once?
Below are 5 ways we can display honor to our Bible class teachers:
1) Attend Bible class. Gift cards and special dinners are nice gestures, but most teachers would exchange many cards or dinners for well-attended classes. Most work hard to prepare for class, and seeing YOU present makes them feel their efforts are worth it.
2) Arrive for class early. Although unforeseeable circumstances may cause us to be late, most of us can arrive in plenty of time if we determine to do so. It will help if we remember how important our promptness is to our teacher. Habitually tardy students often discourage teachers.
3) Show respect in class. Although there is nothing wrong with POLITELY expressing a difference of opinion, Bible class is rarely suitable for a debate. If needed, offer to meet privately with the teacher, then encourage him to continue with the lesson.
4) Pray for your teacher regularly, and inform him or her that you are doing so. Few things inspire a teacher more than knowing that someone is praying for him or her!
5) Send your teacher cards or notes of appreciation. It means a great deal to a teacher when he or she is reminded that their efforts are valued.
God’s faithful teachers deserve our respect and honor. Let’s show it!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
RSS Feed