Some verses in the Bible apply to some people and not to others, or so one thinks. But actually, each of them speaks to all people, even if only indirectly.

It depends on where you are in life, but the next verse does not really apply to most people, or rather, that is what they think.

But before I go on, may I share a piece of my heart? This verse is the one that scares me the most. When I’ve finished reading the verse, I get terrified, and a light sweat breaks out on my forehead.

Then I start wondering, who am I? Who am I to want to teach other people? Who said I may bring God’s Word to others in today’s words? Isn’t my stick too crooked? Am I not playing too much on the wrong side of the boundaries?

And so I soon find myself with many question marks on my hands, and it doesn’t help much to get rid of the fear. On the contrary!

This is the verse I’m talking about:

¹Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified.

The verse doesn’t really need any explanation. The ministers, pastors, lay preachers, and preachers of the Word will stand in a different line when they arrive at the gates.

There will be the usual set of rules and another set as well. A stronger set. A stricter set. Because, see, these guys’ responsibility to teach others is so much greater.

And when I stand with my hands full of question marks, I know I won’t be able to avoid this one and quickly go to the other line. Here you will be held accountable for your responsibilities on earth.

Yes, I know that the gates of heaven are open to all who confess their sins and accept Jesus as their Saviour. But here we are talking about stricter demands. Another set of rules. And it’s not that nice.

Once again, I realise the great responsibility, which reminds me that every time I have to make sure that I convey the Word of God correctly in today’s words. I must constantly ensure that God is at the centre, not me.

It remains a challenge.

In the beginning, I said that all verses speak to everyone in a way, even if only indirectly. The indirect message is that you should pray for your spiritual leaders. For those who stand on or off the pulpit, the authors of your book, the disc jockey on the radio and the translators of your Bible. Ask for special favours for those in the other line.

Pray especially for me too …

Scripture
James 3:1

Reflection
What line are you standing in?
Who are your spiritual leaders?
Do you pray for them constantly?

Prayer
Father, today I want to pray for each of my spiritual mentors. Those on and off the pulpit. Those who preach Your Word on the radio and also those whose books I read. Give them strength and wisdom to carry out Your command correctly. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.