What Bible teachers do matters, so training to improve teaching skills is important. At the same time, we must remember that God puts more emphasis on the heart — “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7). That means that we too must be concerned about teacher qualities. Reflect on Scripture verses about the source of our words and actions:
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lk. 6:45)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Prov. 4:23)
In God’s economy, “doing” grows out of “being” so heart qualities matter.
Why We Tend to Focus More on Teaching Skills Than Teacher Qualities
Focusing on what we “do” to teach effectively is relatively easy and measurable. We can therefore find a fair amount of training for skill development. Teacher qualities, on the other hand, are not easily acquired and are less quantifiable. Teacher training resources tend to yield less help in this area.
Teachers can outwardly mimic good teaching skills. Behavior reflective of the right qualities can also be copied. If, however, the heart remains unchanged, that behavior will not be authentic and will tend to diminish over time. Eventually what’s on the inside comes out (Lk. 6:45).
How to Be The Kind of Teacher Who Makes a Difference
Becoming who we should be from the inside out is a process, what Scripture refers to as sanctification. It begins with salvation but continues as we walk with God in the newness of life He provides. While heart transformation is a work of God, we can do some things to nurture that journey:
- Ask the Holy Spirit to work “in” us as well as “through” us.
- Seek prayer support to “be” the kind of teacher who makes a difference, not just to “do” that which makes us effective.
- Look for role models with Christ-like qualities, not just good teaching skills.
- Take advantage of biblically based devotionals geared to teachers that emphasize heart qualities. (i.e., Be-Attitudes for Teachers)
- Find accountability and fellowship with leadership and among teaching staff for nurturing our walk with God.
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