Sometimes we feel more attached to jobs, sports, school, or other activities than we do to the church. This could be due to the fact that we feel more responsibility toward, and attachment to, those secular activities. Within the church, it seems that most people come in, sit down, sing a few songs, partake of the Lord's Supper, and leave. The "more important" of the assembly are the preacher, elders, deacons, and men, such as the song leaders, or those who wait on the Lord's table. However, there is a job that does not have a specified list of requirements, such as those for an elder, or a great voice for a song leader. That is the job of a teacher. The small list of requirements includes:
   1) A knowledge of the topic to be taught, and
   2) A willingness to teach.

I am only 18 years old, but I have already taught for several months. I am not better or smarter than most people in the church, but I possess the desire to teach. It is hard for me to understand why a church with over 100 people who attend regularly has so much trouble finding people to teach only a few classes. That should not happen. A good way to look at teaching is as a privilege, and as a responsibility. For me, it is an activity that I enjoy, but it is also done with much pride. Of the men in the Bible, I most admire Paul. He states his reasons for his prolific preaching in Colossians 1:24-29.

The entire basis for Christianity lies in teaching. Paul urges Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, "commit these things [that Paul had taught him] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." If I spread the word to one person, that person may spread it even farther.

So why have you chosen not to teach? Do you feel that you do not have the knowledge? Then get it!! Paul warns the Hebrews about their own spiritual immaturity. He says "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food." (Hebrews 5:12). Those who have been Christians for some time need to crack open the Bible and learn. If you knew it at one time, that's great, but if you forget, it does you no good. So refresh yourself, or read the Bible for the first time, whatever you need to do.

So if you know what to teach, and you want to teach, then what is your excuse? Perhaps you feel as if you would be a hypocrite by teaching. Romans 2:20 warns against hypocritical teaching. Stop using your sinful life as an excuse, and use the desire to make a difference as your motivation for making your life right.

This is not meant to make me seem better than anyone else. It is, however, written to encourage those of you who want to teach, but perhaps are afraid. There is nothing to fear! Children look up to their teachers. Classes are small. The kids at Knollwood are, for the most part, darling children with much potential for greatness. Don't be afraid of them. You should be twice as eager to teach as they are to learn. In fact, I guarantee you will learn just as much as, if not more than, them! So for the next quarter, which will be here soon, instead of having to beg for teachers, let's have a waiting list because of the overflow of volunteers.

Who says that we cannot learn from the younger generation? I hope every member of this church reads, soberly and prayerfully, the thoughts that Casie had presented in this article. Could she be talking about you? Did you get the point? I guess we will find out in the next quarter, won't we? What can I say but--AMEN!!! (KG)