Labor Day
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 ESV
God gives different gifts to each of us. Some of you are good with numbers. Some of you are good with languages. Some of you are good at working out complex systems. Some of you are good at building and designing boats and bridges. We don’t have the same gifts, and that’s a good thing. Whatever your gift or ability, your Savior God has entrusted you with it. He would have you use it to His glory and to benefit others.
A teacher—especially one that cares and tries to connect and communicate—is worth his or her weight in gold. Think back on your educational life. Can you think of teachers that had a special effect on you? We all have favorites, for different reasons. We learn different things from each teacher.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work with a number of different Christian Day School teachers in my ministry. I am amazed by their patience and loving concern. I am amazed by their organizational skills. I’m amazed by their ability to shift gears and refocus students. They have special gifts which they use to serve our little lambs.
There is a shortage of Christian teachers. Our teachers grow old and retire too, just like our shepherds. We need to earnestly pray that the Savior provide young people who see in themselves the gifts necessary to teach and then use them to His glory. It is a valuable, rewarding occupation and calling. It’s one thing to teach children to read and write, it’s precious to also teach them about Jesus.
Oh, teach them with all diligence The truths of God’s own Word,
To place in Him their confidence, To fear and trust their Lord.
The Lutheran Hymnal 629:4