Faculty Devotion – Why Do You Teach?
“Eyes of Love”
Why do you teach?
For some the answer to that question is the trite, “June, July, and August.” These teachers look at the world and decide that teaching offers the most time off with the least effort having the least consequences.
For some the answer is, “I want to make a difference for the future.” These teachers see that teaching is more than a job, it is a vocation. Teachers affect the future in ways that few other professions do – for the children grow into the adults that save, protect and serve mankind.
For some the answer is, “I am loved.” These teachers are usually in a Christian school – more often than not – a Lutheran school. These teachers feel the depth of our Heavenly Father’s love in their life and wish to pass it along.
On the last night before Bunny entered the hospital, we spent many hours sharing with one another. We talked about our experiences, our children, and our hopes for the future. In the course of our discussion I asked her to forgive me for all of those times that I had angered her, disappointed her or frustrated her. Her response was, “There is nothing to forgive.” I didn’t get it. I knew that I had angered her just the previous night. But she insisted there was nothing to forgive.
She then asked me to forgive her for the times she had angered, disappointed or frustrated me. There was nothing to forgive. I then got it! Did we never anger, disappoint or frustrate each other? No. However, at the very same time that she would do or say something to anger me, I forgave her. She did the same for me. Our love was so great that we could not remember that which would need mentioning at the final day.
Such it is with Our Heavenly Father’s love. Paul gives us a glimpse of the depth of our Father’s love in his letter to the Romans.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5: 8-11.
God loves us so much that He sent His Son to suffer the pain and separation we deserve. On the last day of our life, we ask God to forgive that which we have offended Him – and He will answer – it already is. He will look at us and say, “Come on home, you look a lot like my Son.”
So when we stand in front of a room of children, we see them through God’s eyes. Each one of them is so special that He sent Jesus to suffer and die. God looks at each child and sees someone who looks a lot like His Son.
A teacher who teaches because she is loved – he is loved – understands. They see the children through God’s eyes. They see redeemed, loved children of God. The teacher then teaches, not for money, not for fame, not even for thanks – but for the joy of sharing knowledge and love – for the opportunity to be surrounded by the inquisitive, active minds – for the joy of sharing. For love.
Prayers:
Why do you teach?
For some the answer to that question is the trite, “June, July, and August.” These teachers look at the world and decide that teaching offers the most time off with the least effort having the least consequences.
For some the answer is, “I want to make a difference for the future.” These teachers see that teaching is more than a job, it is a vocation. Teachers affect the future in ways that few other professions do – for the children grow into the adults that save, protect and serve mankind.
For some the answer is, “I am loved.” These teachers are usually in a Christian school – more often than not – a Lutheran school. These teachers feel the depth of our Heavenly Father’s love in their life and wish to pass it along.
On the last night before Bunny entered the hospital, we spent many hours sharing with one another. We talked about our experiences, our children, and our hopes for the future. In the course of our discussion I asked her to forgive me for all of those times that I had angered her, disappointed her or frustrated her. Her response was, “There is nothing to forgive.” I didn’t get it. I knew that I had angered her just the previous night. But she insisted there was nothing to forgive.
She then asked me to forgive her for the times she had angered, disappointed or frustrated me. There was nothing to forgive. I then got it! Did we never anger, disappoint or frustrate each other? No. However, at the very same time that she would do or say something to anger me, I forgave her. She did the same for me. Our love was so great that we could not remember that which would need mentioning at the final day.
Such it is with Our Heavenly Father’s love. Paul gives us a glimpse of the depth of our Father’s love in his letter to the Romans.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5: 8-11.
God loves us so much that He sent His Son to suffer the pain and separation we deserve. On the last day of our life, we ask God to forgive that which we have offended Him – and He will answer – it already is. He will look at us and say, “Come on home, you look a lot like my Son.”
So when we stand in front of a room of children, we see them through God’s eyes. Each one of them is so special that He sent Jesus to suffer and die. God looks at each child and sees someone who looks a lot like His Son.
A teacher who teaches because she is loved – he is loved – understands. They see the children through God’s eyes. They see redeemed, loved children of God. The teacher then teaches, not for money, not for fame, not even for thanks – but for the joy of sharing knowledge and love – for the opportunity to be surrounded by the inquisitive, active minds – for the joy of sharing. For love.
Prayers:
- For teachers
- For students
- For parents
- Others: