Sunday Devotions: True Teachers

Lectionary verse:

Romans 12:7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

The faith that I have in my heart was planted by three teachers. One was a young man called Billy, who wanted to be a missionary in Africa, but he couldn’t go because his eyesight was too weak. If he had lost his thick rimmed glasses in the middle of nowhere, he would have been almost blind and helpless. So Billy decided to teach Sunday School instead and he was the most encouraging teacher of the faith I have ever known.

I also owe my faith to an old lady in her seventies who taught my class when I was older. She was very patient and kind, but above all else, she was a great story teller. She could weave Bible passages into great patterns of understanding and thrilled her students by making the scriptures come alive. She may have been a senior citizen talking to a different generation, but she faithfully conveyed to us Christ’s compassion, love, and teaching.

My third great teacher of faith was an elementary school teacher, Miss McKenzie, who ran an after-school scripture club for all the pupils. She presented the kingdom of God in a highly attractive and jovial way. She made being a Christian fun, instead of making fun of Christians. She taught me many choruses and songs that she had learned at the Billy Graham Crusade. She was a genuine Christian and her humility and humor captivated my heart.

It’s good to reflect upon the teachers of faith who made a difference in our lives. We should remember them for their commitment to expressing faith through stories, crafts, songs and prayers. Let’s never forget them and give thanks to God for each of them. And then we should pray for those among us today who have chosen to become Sunday school teachers. Encourage and empower them; respect and resource them; support and strengthen them; for they are the ones that our children, grand-children, and great-grand-children will remember as their messengers of faith and the chosen servants who planted Christianity in their hearts.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for those special people that You call to be teachers of the faith in our churches. We thank You for their commitment, for their time, and their focus on presenting the Gospel to young, impressionable people, as well as to adults who are still learning about Your ways in the midst of their lives. Bless our Sunday School teachers and study leaders. Be with them as they prepare this week’s lesson and inspire them with Your kindness, favor, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Stushie is the writer of the daily devotional blog "Heaven's Highway."