Be not Many Teachers

This must seem an unusual imperative to hear from one of the first pastors of the church at Jerusalem. As it was then, so it is today, that many do not give enough consideration concerning the importance of the teaching role in a congregation that arises from proper motivations. So in this letter from James every teacher is compelled to examine himself, how he uses his tongue and what motivates him to assume to teach in one of the Lord's churches. I would say this much about the pastoral teaching role in a congregation: if you can do anything else, do that before you come into this service. However, if you only find satisfaction in those things which are preparatory to the ministry, it is a good indication that the Lord's calling is upon your life.