Written by Cole Denne

Read: Romans 12:4-8

Do you love sharing truth, skills, and knowledge with others? Do you live for the moment when someone suddenly understands something they couldn’t see before? You may have a teaching gift.

But a good teacher and a skilled teacher are not the same thing. In fact, teaching comes with serious warnings. “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:16)

Teachers shape the thoughts and actions of others. They direct people toward God, toward one another, and toward particular ways of seeing the world. Teachers can equip, encourage, and heal. They can also manipulate, mislead, and marginalize. For better or worse, teachers influence lives.

Skilled teachers are effective communicators. They reveal what was previously hidden, clarify what was confusing, and move people toward a desired conclusion. Good teachers use those skills for the benefit of others.

There is never a shortage of teachers, especially in a world where anyone can publish a thought, build an audience, and gain influence. The most effective teachers are often rewarded with followers, recognition, and money. As long as those rewards exist, there will never be a shortage of skilled teachers. Therefore, there will always be a need for good teachers.

Before discussing any spiritual gift, Paul gives an important warning: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” (Romans 12:3) Humility ought to come before influence.

Consider Jesus’ fiercest opponents–the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Why was Jesus so angry with them so often? Weren’t they the people entrusted with instructing God’s people? They had knowledge, influence, and authority. Yet, Jesus repeatedly rebuked them, calling them hypocrites. Jesus cares deeply about good teaching. Maybe it is why so many people marveled at His own.

If you love to teach, then grasp humility along with knowledge, and pray regularly for the Lord’s will to be done in your life. Teach anything to anyone with humility and skill, so long as it blesses them, and you will not only find your gift growing but also find the Lord making space for you to use what He has given you.