James 3:1 (Devotion)

"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."

This is an interesting passage. At first glance it would appear James is discouraging his brethren rather than encouraging, but nothing could be further from the truth. James is a shepherd tending to his flock of faithful brothers in Christ by looking out not only for their best interest, but that of the body of Christ as a whole. For what good would it profit the church if Bible teachers were not preaching God's Word exegetical with proper context? What example would teachers provide if they were not living for righteousness in application, but content with faith alone? What cancer would they spread if they twisted God's Word to meet their selfish desires rather than speaking truth in love, unashamed of the persecution that comes with standing for absolute truth?

It takes boldness to make such a statement and call out the dangers of leadership to keep the church accountable. It is not meant to strike such fear that no man or woman aspires to teach God's Word, but it speaks to the seriousness of God's calling on them to practice what they preach and submit unashamedly to the sovereign authority of Scripture. This warning of James should be applauded because it does not put a false pretense on pastoral leadership. It calls out the dangers of hypocrisy and keeps us humble so that we who teach God's Word remember who we are in relation to God, lest we think more highly of ourselves than we ought. It is a reality check, helping to weed out those who desire personal glory at the expense of the church, because of the specialized judgment that awaits those who teach Scripture.

But is this applicable only for the chosen few who bear the title of teaching pastor? I would argue, NO, for the simple fact that those of us who are parents are ordained by God to teach our children His Word. Moreover, anyone who testifies as a Christ-follower is accountable to share the Gospel with others, thus preaching the Good News of Jesus and teaching Scripture to one degree or another. Therefore, none are exempt from extrapolating various degrees of application from this passage, which on the surface appears to be directed to only a chosen few.

Bottom-line, if we present ourselves publicly as Christians we are held to a high standard, but I pray those of us who teach God's Word embrace James' admonition thoroughly for our standard is even higher. Because they who truly represent the heart of God as pastors do not run from this passage, but humbly embrace the accountability and judgment that comes with such a great responsibility. The church needs more shepherds who live out this verse of James in unashamed boldness, humility and love. But more so, the church needs every member of the body to embrace this truth as well, so that our works give testimony to our faith in Christ and submission to His Word.