James 3:1-2 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
In these couple of verses, James issued a warning. It is a warning that we all should heed. Sadly, there are far too many Christians who have taken on the role of "teacher" in the church, who have neither been appointed, or chosen, by God. Instead, many have taken on the role as a status symbol, and used it to elevate themselves amongst the brethren. James warned us all, that those of us who teach have a greater accountability before God, and will certainly be judged accordingly. A day is surely coming when we, the born again believer, will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give account for our life and service to the Lord. It will be a time of great sorrow for many, as there will be loss of reward; and also a time of great joy, as we receive reward for living a life of obedience to God's Word. The one thing many forget, who takes on the role of teacher, is that we will give account for our words and for how others live as a result of our words. So, if we speak words falsely, because we failed to properly study and prepare, and presumptuously begin to teach our personal convictions and traditions, we will have to give a strict account, and pay a heavy price. Note that James did not single others out, but also included himself as one who will also be accountable. Why does he do that? Well, because we are all accountable for the words we speak; especially those words we use to teach others about the things of God. With that said, we must take great care to think through, and pray about, the things we post publicly, in respect to God's Word. Social media is littered with memes and devotionals that people have written, that are filled with false teachings and Scriptures taken out of context; without any thought of how it will truly affect a new believer, an immature believer, or an unbeliever. If our words and teachings lead to confusion or cause others to go away from God, rather than lead them toward God, do we not think that there will come a day when we will answer for such carelessness in handling God's Word? The mature believer recognizes and knows that there is greater accountability for the one who teaches. Therefore, it is imperative that we are careful with our words. We must choose our words carefully and be sure that our teaching(s) is sound, led by the Spirit, using the Word of God; and not by the leading of our preferences, opinions, personal conviction, or someone else's nonsense that we memorized and repeated. If we are going to be teachers, let us first make sure that God has called us to be teachers. Just as important, we must be sure that we are students of the Word, before we take on the role of being a teacher of the Word; because none of us will escape the day when we will have to stand before Jesus to give account for what we chose to teach in His Name.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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