A Tribute to Our Teachers!

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)

3 of my guys are in the teaching profession. I must say that I admire them for it, because it is a profession that requires heart and perseverance.

As Christian teachers, I believe that teaching is a divine vocation, a position of trust and privilege, an opportunity to influence the lives of the next generation. IMHO, this is not a profession that one should enter into flippantly, for the high starting salary or for the sake of a stable job. One needs to be sure that he/she is willing to be used by God as a teacher to impact lives, and willing to last the pace for the long haul. It is a tough job in a less than ideal environment often bogged down by beauracracy & organisational incompetency. It can be easy to grow disppointed and disillusioed. It is common to be in situations where the realities look so different from the ideals of the teaching profession.

I may not be a teacher, but over the years, I have seen how some have felt so strongly that they are called into this profession, so eager to serve God as a teacher, to mold and transform lives that they come into contact with; but over the years, the imperfections of the environment and the disappointment gradually got to them, causing them to eventually leave the profession in utter disillusionment, some even saying that going into teaching was their 'biggest mistake'.

On the brighter note, I have also seen many teachers in our midst, who in spite of the difficulties and challenges that they face, rose up with the strength of God to shine for Him in their schools, impacting and transforming many under their care. Quite a few are still growing strong, even after many years of teaching; literally 'growing in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.'

So on this Teachers' Day, it is my prayer that the teachers in our midst will continue to grow strong. Remember again the call of God, take time to give thanks for your unique position of influence and privilege. Dwell not on the things that don't go well in your midst, but focus on the presence of God that you will bring to the students because you chose to stay to teach, to serve and bless. And may the good Lord bless you with joy, success and fulfilment as you continue to obey and serve Him.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9)

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