This post is addressed to teachers. In addition to “school teachers” there are parents, grandparents, coaches, pastors, employers, coworkers, siblings, friends, acquaintances, etc. who are all teachers in some capacity. In reality, most of us are teachers.
Over the past four decades I’ve taken part in thousands of parent-teacher conferences. Time after time I was reminded that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Children are like their parents (the primary teachers in their lives), “a chip off the old block” or “like father, like son”. The facial expressions I saw from the student, I received from the parent. A unique phrase I heard from the student was repeated by the parent. Mannerisms practiced by the student were exhibited by the parent. These insights aren’t profound. Children are like their parents. Students are like their teachers. This is just the way it is.
Scripture teaches this principle.
Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. Luke 6:40 (NLT)
“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Matthew 10:24 (NLT)
Conclusion:
Don’t try to teach a value or belief that you don’t practice. If you use inappropriate language, expect your “student” to use inappropriate language. If you habitually tell lies, don’t be surprised when your “student” tells lies. If you do not show respect to others, don’t expect your “student” to be respectful.
If you want to teach respect, be respectful. If you want to teach honesty, be honest. If you want to teach good communication skills, practice good communication skills. If you want to teach fairness, be fair. If you want to teach a work ethic, practice a work ethic.
If you want to teach a love for scripture, let others see your love for the scriptures.
If you want to teach a love for the Lord, love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Model the behaviors that you are trying to teach.
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine (the apostle Paul), and learn from those who follow our example. (Philippians 3:17 NLT)
Great teachers practice what they teach.
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