The Heart of a Teacher

At a young age the Lord showed me that one of my greatest attributes to spread His Word would be to teach. Today, I have the privilege to teach 2nd grade, and everyday I pray my students leave my classroom being successful disciples for the Lord.

However, my teaching doesn’t stop there. I also have two little boys at home that need to be taught. Everyday they are learning new things, some good and some bad; but that is where I come in, to “weed out” the bad in them. I know sometimes, when a child disobeys, it’s just easier to take away a toy, spank them or give them time-out, and let them be on their way so you can get back to the dishes, TV or work (I have been there and done that too). But we need to remember that our children are precious gifts from the Lord; He chose us as parents to be their earthly teacher.

So I want to encourage you to pull out your Bible the next time your child disobeys and teach them what the Lord says about their sin. Even if your child is little, it is never too early to teach them God’s Word. After you have taught them, have them memorize or repeat the Scripture you talked about (they are also never to young to memorize Scripture), so that God’s Word is stitched in their heart.

Teaching doesn’t just stop with our children, the Lord told us told us to be “fishers of men.” There are people everywhere that need to be taught God’s promise, and opportunities arise all the time for us to teach. We just have to be like David, strong and courageous, and not be scared to teach others about God.

For a teacher to have successful students we must first do two things:

• Plan, so that we are prepared to teach a lesson, and
• Listen to others so we know better ways to teach.

Plan a time to sit and read Scripture; plan a time to have Bible study with yourself, your kids, spouse or friends. For us to teach Biblical lessons to others, we must first study the Bible to educate ourselves. The Lord has a plan for all of us. He has a plan for each life that is brought into this world, including His own Son, who died on the cross for us.

Lastly, for us to be great teachers, we have to learn to listen (which for some women can be hard, because we love to talk). I love listening to other teachers’ ideas that they are using in the classroom and incorporate those into my own lesson plans—therefore making me a better teacher. So let’s sincerely listen: listen to our husbands, to our children, that friend at work that may be suffering, and most importantly, listen to what the Lord is trying to teach us—because ultimately He is greatest teacher of all.

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We are excited to have Bethany Williams as our guest writer this week. Bethany is a 2^nd grade teacher at PCA, and is married to her high-school sweetheart, Cole. Bethany and Cole have 2 kids: Gunnar and Remington. Bethany grew up on the farm, where she and her siblings were raised to work hard and love the Lord.

What do you enjoy doing?
Teaching, crafting, baking, reading, organizing and being outdoors.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

What is the best advice you’ve received?
To listen to people who are older and more experienced than me, because I can learn from their mistakes so I don’t have to make them, too.