Building Wisely
By Mr Ian Keast
Posted on 16 October 2008
The Role of Christians in Teaching
Jesus told one of his familiar stories about different builders. One was a foolish builder, who heard Jesus’ words but did nothing about following and obeying them. His house, in the story, had a foundation built on sand, so that when tested, it collapsed. By contrast, the wise builder listened to Jesus’ words and obeyed them. His house, whose foundation was built on rock, was able to stand. Jesus’ story emphasises the importance of building one’s life on the solid foundation: following and obeying Jesus.
Young people are foundation building and this is especially so during their time at school. There they are learning much, hearing much, asking questions. It is in this context that Christian teachers have an important role in assisting students to build wisely, not foolishly.
Relationship is Important
The Christian teacher establishes and develops relationships with students and it is through these relationships that the gospel, "and also our own selves" (1 Thessalonians 2:8) can be shared. Our talking about the gospel occurs in relationship and relationship is the essence of teaching. In this space foundations can be built, wisely. Some statistics give a measure of the strategic time and place that our schools are in assisting students to build wisely. According to the latest Australian National Church Life Survey, 73% of adults interviewed stated that they had committed to Christ as their foundation by the age of 20. Along with their family background and involvement in children’s/youth activities, their exposure to Christ in school, be that through Scripture, Christian Studies teaching and/or the witness of a Christian teacher, was an important factor in their conversion. Further, in Australia today, one in five people is under the age of 15. So in the greater Sydney area, this translates to approximately 900,000 school-aged "builders". With a decreasing proportion of these hearing the words of Jesus in their home or church-based activities, access to the gospel will be primarily through contact at school. Christian teachers have, and will continue to have, a vital ministry as "ambassadors of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5: 20) in this large and strategic mission field.
Teaching Well
Christian teachers need also to teach well: to see that how they teach brings honour to the foundation (Jesus), for, "in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1: 17) There is the challenge to tease out the implications of Jesus as Lord in the different areas and subjects of teaching. They teach as "unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). Ambassadors of Christ, gospel ministry, time for relationships, teaching well, grappling with the Lordship of Jesus, administrative demands, increasing accountability: all these things (and more) in the busyness of our schools! There are challenges aplenty here for Christian teachers.
Suitable Gifts?
In our schools is the next generation, busily building. Are the students building wisely or foolishly? Christian teachers have the great privilege and responsibility in assisting them to build wisely. Consider also: have you the suitable gifts to consider joining them? Their words and labour are "not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58) for they have eternal value and significance. For more material on Christians in Teaching, contact Ian Keast.
