Prove Yourself Worthy of the Call

by James Gunter

In session one of our workshops titled Teaching a Bible Lesson, we talk quite a bit about the call to teach. One passage of Scripture really gets my attention every time.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15 HCSB)

This calls for some serious self-examination. As God's chosen representatives of the Word, we are to study, obey and be able to teach the Word effectively. I have taken myself through some very serious self-examination many, many times. I have found that unless I am willing to correct a particular area of weakness, it is difficult to consider myself as one “approved to God.” There are many other ways we should strive to be approved to God as well.

• Do we dress appropriately as one of God's representatives?
• What is our conduct at and away from church? Is it the same?
• Do we take the time to prepare an effective lesson – one that will impact and change our learners?
• Do we share God's truth or our opinion, camouflaged as the truth? Our learners may not know the difference, but I can assure you that God does.
• Do we live what we teach?

The list could just go and on, but you get the idea. To avoid being “ashamed” as a teacher, work hard to present yourself properly. Is it time to give yourself a serious examination?