Galatians 6:7-9 begins with a warning. — “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This reality can be seen in nature. Plant (sow) a pumpkin seed and you will reap a pumpkin, not a turnip. Likewise, sow good into your life and you will reap goodness. Sow that which lacks integrity and you will not reap goodness. Since this principle of sowing and reaping comes without exceptions in these verses, we can apply it to Bible teachers in their teaching of the Word.
Sometimes as Bible teachers we can deceive ourselves in believing certain approaches to teaching God’s Word are acceptable. But, God would say — “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
The Lies We Might Believe About Teaching the Bible:
- My motivation for teaching doesn’t matter. Somebody has to do it.
- My personal life does not affect my role as a teacher.
- As long as my students don’t see my hypocritical behavior, it doesn’t matter.
- Talking about students behind their backs won’t hurt anyone.
- All I need are some good teaching skills. What’s in my heart doesn’t matter.
- I don’t need to put much effort into lesson preparation. I can wing it.
The Problem with Bible Teachers Believing These Lies:
God put into effect the principle of sowing and reaping. There will be benefits or consequences from what we sow into our teaching. Perhaps you have been acting on some of these lies for some time now and don’t think it has made a difference. Keep in mind that just as with sowing seed in the ground, the evidence of what you have sown is not immediately visible but eventually it will be made known. We might not realize the effects until eternity and then it will be too late.
God cannot be mocked:
- God cares about the heart. (Prov. 17:3; 21:2)
- God sees and knows what is going on when others don’t. (Heb. 4:13)
- God will hold you accountable, especially as a teacher. (Heb. 4:13; James 3:1)
- God will judge you not just on what you do but also on the motivations and quality of your life. (1 Cor. 3:10-15)
Tool to help Bible teachers focus on who they are, not just what they do: Be-Attitudes for Teachers