God has called us to prepare to be kings and priests. One of the greatest roles of a priest and a king is that of a teacher. Are you preparing to be a teacher?
We in God’s Church understand that God has called us to prepare to be kings and priests. And in preparing for that role, we must also prepare to be teachers.
Since one of our responsibilities in God’s Kingdom will be to teach, we need to consider what it means to be an effective teacher. By doing so, we can better prepare for our future. In this article, we will consider some of the traits that define a great teacher. I have listed twelve, but these are by no means all-inclusive. You will probably be able to think of other traits that a teacher should have.
Great Teachers Love To Teach
The first trait is that great teachers love what they do. There is no question that great teachers love to teach. They do not dispense knowledge for money, prestige or glory. They teach because it brings them an incredible feeling of satisfaction, knowing that they are contributing positively to the future of others.
Passion has a deep impact, and all great teachers are passionate about their subject. David set us an example of the zeal that we are to have—he constantly meditated on God’s testimonies and kept His precepts (Psalm 119:97–100).
David’s passion for God’s law is the passion that we also should have, because we too will be teaching it to this world when Christ returns. In order to be successful teachers, we need to love God’s law, understand it fully and study it deeply, so we will be able to teach it.
I had an old professor who told his students, “You can’t teach what you don’t know.” Now think about that a little bit. It makes a lot of sense. You need to know God’s law to teach it effectively.
Ezra was a teacher at the time that Judah came back from captivity. We read, “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). We today ought to be preparing for the day when we will play a role like Ezra’s, teaching God’s law. And we should look at Ezra’s attitude as one we should also have. We are to have a love and a passion for what we do and teach.
Great Teachers Are Good Communicators
The second trait is that great teachers are good communicators. Teachers have the responsibility of bridging the gap between themselves and their students, so good communication skills are a must. It is sometimes difficult to relate to people, especially to children, so that they are able to learn a subject. But excellent teachers are masters of this, relating to students on the students’ level. These teachers have developed many ways to reach their students, using effective teaching skills, visual aids—and even body language.
People learn in a variety of ways, and great teachers try to address many of those different ways in their teaching methods. Likewise, we need to learn to be good communicators of God’s truth. It is very important to have fellowship, to learn to speak to and deal with others, especially on the Sabbath day before and after services.
Solomon saw the importance of being able to communicate well. “And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs” (Ecclesiastes 12:9). Not only did Solomon have knowledge; he “set in order” what he knew. Like Solomon, great teachers need to learn how to convey their thoughts in an effective way.
Many proverbs deal with profitable verbal communication. For example, “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer” (Proverbs 15:28). We must be able to give an answer, and if we do not prepare, we will not be able to give that answer. Studying allows us to understand God’s word. This is one reason why it is so important that we have a daily study time, when we can immerse ourselves in God’s word, so we will be able to have an answer for those who have questions.
Words “fitly spoken” and communication skills are important for a teacher. We need to focus on becoming good communicators (Proverbs 16:21; Proverbs 25:11). If this is a talent you lack, it is something you might want to consider working on—maybe even taking a speech class at a local community college. Good writing skills are another way to communicate. Of course, teachers communicate verbally, for the most part, so we particularly need to learn to speak effectively.
We are commanded, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6).
Great Teachers Must Be Admirable
The third trait that teachers should have is to be admirable. Great teachers lead lives on a high moral level. This gives them more credibility than others. We are more likely to listen to people we admire, because we hope to be like them someday. Great teachers help show us the way, and they practice what they teach. They set the example.
Keeping God’s laws and His ways, and practicing those things we are taught, will help us become credible teachers in His Kingdom, teaching the world under Christ how to keep God’s laws and His ways. We need to practice now what we will soon teach. If we do so, we will be “lights” (Matthew 5:14).
We will be setting the example for others, just as Christ sets it for us. When we talk about great teachers, the best example is Christ’s perfect example, so we need to emulate Him. He had—and has—all the qualities we should seek to have.
The Apostle Paul stated, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery?” (Romans 2:21–22). If we are teaching others, we need to be practicing what we are teaching. Otherwise, no one will have any regard for us at all.
Great Teachers Use Positive Reinforcement
The fourth trait of a great teacher is positive reinforcement. Instead of using strict punishment to discipline students, great teachers know how to use positive reinforcement to discipline. The best teachers often reward their students for doing a good job, so they are more apt to repeat that success in the future. Great teachers focus on the positive and not on the negative.
Christ did that with us, and many instructions in Scripture tell us what we will be doing in the Millennium. Those who teach in the Millennium will be seen and heard. We read: “But your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:20–21). Notice that the teacher is not saying, “This is not the way.” These verses describe positive reinforcement, going behind the students and guiding their steps, helping them see the right way and encouraging them when they go in it. Of course, when they go the wrong way, there will need to be correction, but even that correction should be positive as much as possible. Effective teaching involves supporting good and right behavior, and an effective teacher strives to provide discipline through positive reinforcement.
Great Teachers Are Fair and Just
The fifth trait is that great teachers are fair and just. They have mercy.
Teachers teach their students equally, yet give each student the individual attention that he or she needs. Students are not all equal in their ability to take in knowledge and understand it. Teachers need to adjust for that, while remaining fair and just as they deal with their students.
In God’s Kingdom, in the role of king, priest and teacher, today’s firstfruits will be ruling over individuals. When we do so, we must rule justly. We must rule in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3). As we prepare for that role today, it is vital that we execute true judgment, walk in God’s statutes and keep His judgments faithfully (Ezekiel 18:5–9). Great teachers set an example by emulating God’s ways and obeying His laws, and in doing so learn to be just and fair in all their dealings.
Great Teachers Are Leaders
The sixth trait that we see in a great teacher is leadership. Great teachers are leaders. In the classroom, they “own” the spotlight. They have the responsibility of being strong instructors so that students listen to them with attention and determination. They have to lead their students on the right path of learning, and inspire them to avoid the obstacles that may stand in the students’ way.
Today’s Christians, as teachers in the Millennium, will be leaders. We will be representing God’s government, under Jesus Christ who will be our King of kings and High Priest—as He is today. And Christ wants us to be developing these traits of a good leader. A true leader directs people’s attention to God and His law. As we read, “his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). Leaders are to be like trees that stand solid, bringing forth good fruit (v. 3). What is that fruit? Paul describes it this way: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23).
Leaders teach by example. By the example we set, we will inspire others to learn. Both today and in God’s Kingdom, God the Father and Jesus Christ are our leaders and instructors who give us counsel. Anciently, King David certainly recognized this when he wrote that the “Lord” gave him counsel (Psalm 16:7). Through Scripture and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, teachers learn how to lead others. We read: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law. Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the paths of Your commandments, for I delight in it” (Psalm 119:33–35). This is the attitude God wants teachers to have. A great teacher leads others by following God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Great Teachers Are Committed
The seventh trait that we see in great teachers is commitment. Most of us have seen teachers who demonstrate great commitment. They go above and beyond the minimum time requirements demanded of them, and are willing to give help whenever students need it. Not only are they personally committed to what they teach, they take personal responsibility for helping their students. Likewise, as Christians, we need to be committed to our calling. Do we do the bare minimum, or are we continually striving to grow, to learn more and to do more?
God has chosen each of us, as His firstfruits, to be teachers, so we need to develop that kind of commitment. Do we genuinely want to help people? In order to be an effective teacher, we need to want to help others. And we need to be steadfast in our faith in Christ. We need to be committed to the truth and the understanding God has given us, and we need to remain close to Christ and close to God our Father. We do this through our prayer, study, meditation and occasional fasting. This helps us to remain committed, and even to deepen our commitment. Great teachers are committed to the role that they have been given, committed to their students and committed to their subject.
Great Teachers Have Understanding
The eighth trait of great teachers is that they have understanding. We will consider two kinds of understanding— understanding the content that we teach, and understanding the students whom we teach.
Of course, as teachers in God’s Kingdom, our content is God’s laws, precepts and statutes. Are you an expert in God’s laws? God has given us this time in our life to become expert in His law of love, and to put into practice His laws and ways. Great teachers are not just experts in their field of knowledge, they are exemplars of what they teach. God will give us the understanding that we need if we learn His commandments and put them into practice in our life (Psalm 111:10).
One ongoing lesson we all learn is the lesson of human behavior, and how to deal with other people. It is important that we learn how to guide others in proper behavior, because this will be our role in God’s Kingdom. In order to do this, great teachers not only understand what they teach, they understand those they are teaching. Great teachers understand where their students came from, who they are, and how best to help them grow into who they can become.
It is through God’s word that we are given understanding (Proverbs 9:10). So, how do we gain understanding of God’s word? Through Bible study, and through faithful attendance at Sabbath services, where we learn from God’s ministers. By being diligent students, we develop the understanding that will make us effective teachers.
We can basically consider our lives today as a “college.” God is using our lives today to prepare us as teachers in His Kingdom. He gives us trials to help us learn, to correct us and to motivate us. The Apostle Peter said that we should look upon our trials with joy, because these are opportunities to learn—opportunities to become more like Christ by developing His very character (1 Peter 4:12–13).
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). How does God judge us? He judges us by our works and by the effort that we exert.
Great Teachers Have Compassion and Caring
Trait number nine is that great teachers are compassionate and caring. A great teacher recognizes that there is much suffering in this world, and has the inner desire to help. Great teachers know that, by giving knowledge to the next generation, they are helping to develop individuals who will have the skills, compassion and dedication to help end suffering.
Great teachers hope to nurture and protect their students much as shepherds do their flocks. Shepherds have compassion and care for their sheep. Those of us who have had experience on a farm know that lambs can be very loving and sweet. Shepherds know there are some dangers the sheep cannot handle on their own. It is the shepherd’s responsibility to care for them and protect them so that they can grow. This is how Jesus Christ looks upon us. He guards and feeds His flock as a compassionate Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11). He has care and compassion for all humanity (Isaiah 63:7–9). He feels our pain. He personally understands what we go through, and He can relate this to God our Father, to tell Him exactly what our suffering is about. Christ bears us and carries us, and if we go to Him in faith He will relieve us from our pain and from our suffering (v. 9).
Indeed, Christ is the Master Teacher. Notice this description of His care for us: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:36–38).
We, today, are those laborers and harvesters. God has called us today not only to prepare to become teachers in His Kingdom, but to labor and help those He is calling at this present time.
Great Teachers Have Confidence
Trait number ten of great teachers is confidence. A teacher cannot teach without it. Students will not believe in teachers who do not first believe in themselves. Great teachers are confident that they know how to teach and in what they are teaching.
How do teachers become confident? They know their subject. They know they are able to communicate and express themselves. They love what they are doing, and they care about doing it well.
God’s Spirit gives us confidence. As Christians, we are to have boldness through the faith that is given to us. It is through faith that we have confidence. We are certain that what Christ has told us is true. We know that Jesus Christ will come back to this earth very soon. He will establish His government, and we know He is going to use us in His government to help teach this world. We are sure of it—and that confidence comes from His Holy Spirit. Through the faith that is given to us, we receive it (Ephesians 3:12).
God tells us that He will give us the power that is necessary to overcome—and that He will give us the ability to succeed and to be in His Kingdom—if we ask. Why? He will do so “because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22). We can be confident in this promise.
Great Teachers Are Prepared
The eleventh trait is that great teachers are prepared. They know the necessary steps in presenting material to their students, and they follow those steps well. They know what they are teaching. Great teachers are expected to know their subject matter, just as God expects us to know and practice His law and His way and understand His word. Great teachers never leave their students lost and not knowing the direction in which they are heading. They stick to the plans they prepare in order to teach the best way possible.
Another aspect of preparation is learning. Teachers are life-long learners. Are you constantly studying and preparing to be a king and a priest? Aquilla and Priscilla met an individual who wanted to teach (Acts 18:24–26). He was willing to learn and to study, and when he came into new understanding, he applied it. He did not think that he knew everything and could not be taught. We do not know everything.
Even God continues to learn. He learns about us. For example, He did not know about Abraham’s character for sure, until He gave him some trials to see how faithful he would be. Remember what God said when Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac? After He held Abraham’s hand away from completing the sacrifice, only then did He know the depth of Abraham’s fear of God (Genesis 22:12). God is testing us all the time, too. He wants to see how we are going to react to certain situations. Eventually, as with Abraham, He will give each of us a trial and test, and upon seeing our proper reaction, He will be able to say about us: “Now I know.”
Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood. “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14–17).
Are we as well prepared as Timothy? Are we equipped for every good work? Are we becoming complete? Great teachers are.
Great Teachers Are Professional
A twelfth trait of great teachers is professionalism. Another word that you could use for professionalism is character. Good character is the mark of a great teacher. Teachers know that, as people who are responsible for helping other people learn, they must take their work seriously. This means that they rarely if ever miss days they are assigned to work. They take seriously their responsibility to show up on time and put in a full day’s work. They present themselves professionally to their students, dressing appropriately, grooming themselves nicely and practicing good hygiene. They treat their students with respect, and conduct themselves in a professional manner that earns their students’ respect. This creates an environment most conducive to learning.
God is developing His very character within us. We are to develop His mind, so that we will become one with Him and learn to think as He thinks. Then, all of our actions will reflect the thoughts of Jesus Christ who dwells in us through His Holy Spirit, and everything that we do will be a reflection of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches us to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you” (Titus 2:12–15).
There are many qualities that make a teacher great. The twelve we have covered here are just a few of the most important. Many of us can look back on a few great teachers who shaped our life and our character. By emulating Christ, the Master Teacher, we are developing His holy and righteous character in our own lives, in preparation for our roles in His Kingdom and for all eternity.