In James 3:1, the Apostle James warns us:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (ESV)
In essence, James is cautioning us that not everyone should aspire to be a teacher in the Church. While teaching is an important role, it comes with serious responsibility and a stricter judgment before God.
James’ words were inspired by the Holy Spirit and speak directly to the issue of spiritual authority within the Church, which was also relevant in his time and remains so today. In many churches, there can be a tendency for everyone to want to take on the role of a teacher or an expert. However, James’ caution serves as a reminder that the Church is not to be led by personal ambition but by the gifts the Holy Spirit has distributed to each believer. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where he reminds us that the Spirit gives different gifts to different people, and each is meant to contribute in a unique way:
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV)
The Church is intended to function in unity, with each member fulfilling their God-given calling. Not everyone is meant to be a teacher, just as not everyone is meant to be a pastor, an evangelist, or a prophet.
When everyone seeks to be a teacher, it creates confusion and disorder. The gifts of the Spirit are meant to complement one another, not overlap to the point where roles and callings are blurred. For instance, someone might be gifted in healing or miracles but might desire to teach or pastor, which could lead to teaching things outside of God’s Word. In such cases, false teachings can arise—either by adding to Scripture or subtracting from it. This, according to Scripture, is a serious matter.
Revelation 22:18-19 gives a stern warning about altering God’s Word:
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19, ESV)
This is a reminder of the gravity of being faithful to God’s Word. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about faithfully transmitting what God has revealed in His Word. Teachers are held to a higher standard because they influence the spiritual growth of others (James 3:1).
As Paul warned in 2 Timothy 2:15,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (ESV)
Teachers are entrusted with the sacred duty of rightly dividing the Word of God and teaching it with integrity.
Therefore, we are called to recognize and stay in our God-given roles. If you are called to be a teacher, then teach. If you are called to be a pastor, then shepherd the flock. If you are an evangelist, then go and preach the gospel. Don’t seek positions or gifts that you have not been called to.
As 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us:
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV)
When we stay in our calling, we avoid confusion and division, and we honor God by fulfilling the role He has specifically assigned to us.
May the Lord bless us and guide us in fulfilling the callings He has placed on .
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