Calling All Fence-Sitters
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13
Blessed are the Sunday school teachers! They meet new children each year, learn new songs, memorize new verses with motions, get to know new families within the church and grow in their own faith as they participate in the Christian education program. You might be saying: “I’m not a teacher!” Maybe you aren’t but you definitely have something to share that could just change a life. Tricia Goyer (Mornings with Jesus) has a devotion for you fence-sitters.
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Recently two of my daughters moved up from elementary school to middle school, and our church did not have a Sunday school class for their age group. As I heard about the need for a teacher, something stirred within my heart. Should this be something I consider? I wondered.
Then, during my Bible reading, I was reminded of the peace that comes to children when time is taken to teach them in the ways of the Lord. How would those middle school youth know about Jesus if someone didn’t step up to teach them?
I find it’s easy to read a Scripture passage and allow it to make me feel warm and fuzzy, but opening my heart to teaching others has me worried. What if those I am teaching have questions and I don’t have answers? What if I have to give up other activities that I enjoy to fulfill my commitment to them?
I remembered that Jesus doesn’t ask me to do things perfectly. He only asks me to be willing and faithful. I often get so focused on the proper Bible lessons that I forget the whole point, which is to share about Jesus and bring others to know Him. Instruction is an avenue to help me to connect my heart to His and to others. Lesson learned!
I finally said yes to teaching middle schoolers in Sunday school—who knows, I may learn something myself.
FAITH STEP: Is there someone in your life who needs to be taught about Jesus and His ways? Consider how you can serve or help others connect with Jesus by leading them, guiding them, and teaching them.
Father God, thank You for Your nudges that move us out of our comfy lifestyle. Help us to be alert and willing to serve in the ways You direct. AMEN.