Jesus had a lot to say to teachers, and not much of it was good. Often it was mixed with words like “woe,” “hypocrites,” and “watch out for ….”
Jesus was angry with teachers (preachers) that led people away from God, rather than closer to Him. There are lots of ways to do that. You can preach outright lies, or half-truths. You can preach one thing and live something different. You can adopt the ways of the world and preach “another” Gospel, one based on human thinking, wisdom and reasoning. Yes, there are lots of ways to lead people away from the LORD as we teach or preach.
I have been teaching or preaching since 1985 in one way or another. Sometimes in a Sunday School class, or behind a pulpit. Sometimes I teach in written form, as in these devotions. Whenever I teach or preach in person, I do one thing first; I take off my shoes. I have been doing that for as long as I can remember. I do it because I remember God’s words to Moses … God said, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” [Ex 3:5]
Is the pulpit area in my church holy ground – no, it’s not. It’s just a nice carpeted platform. What is “holy ground” is the Word of God and by removing my shoes, I am reminded that I had better not compromise His Word when I teach or preach. There is an awesome reckoning for those who do.
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” [James 3:1]
