Called to Serve: Remembering Why You Became a Teacher

In these difficult times, it helps to remember why you became a teacher in the first place and check your reason against God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life.

The call of Christian teachers is a call to service.

There are many good reasons to be a teacher: you love learning, you love sharing knowledge, you love helping others understand a truth or concept, you love public speaking, you love grading papers (yes, some teachers do). A Christian teacher may enjoy all those things, but they aren’t at the heart of what it means to be a Christian teacher.

The call of Christian teachers is a call to service.

1. Service to students. Teachers serve their classrooms, looking for ways not only to teach effectively to reach all learners with their various needs, but also to show all students the love of Christ and to spread the gospel. Jesus is the ultimate example of a teacher. He poured out himself to his students and differentiated his teaching methods to reach his various listeners. He was patient with those who struggled to understand, yet he was firm with those who tried to undermine his message.
2. Service to parents. Teachers serve the parents of their students by contributing to the discipleship of those students. This is one way that Christian teachers fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:19–20).
3. Service to God. All Christians are called to do their work as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), and Christian teachers do this through the educational and spiritual stewardship of their students.

Service can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be hard on the body and spirit. Ever our example, Jesus himself showed us that service is heavy work. The Bible records him weeping over Jerusalem and withdrawing from crowds for rest and prayer. His example teaches us that we must have time to rest, physically and spiritually, to do the hard work that God has called us to.

If you’re feeling burnt out or ready to snap, consider why you became a teacher in the first place and ask God for confirmation of that calling. He may truly be moving you to something new (and you can praise him for that), but he may also remind you that this work you do every August through June is the work he has for you to do. If that’s the case, find comfort in knowing that you’re right where God wants you to be. Rely on him for strength and go serve boldly in his name.

For more encouragement in your call to serve through education, consider joining us at Answers for Educators, July 2024.