WHAM!
Do I listen for the Holy Spirit's leading when preparing my lessons? Do I ask questions to ensure I have a good grasp of the Word I am teaching before I teach it? Am I listening to the questions and statements from my students, leaders and parents to know if they are accurately grasping the application? Am I teaching for recognition or praise or because of my love for reaching kids for Christ? When I am listening am I speaking the correct word or words in response or just spitting out the first thing that comes to mind? How do we listen in love?
Well, as you can imagine these questions got me praying, digging and praying some more. I spent time in Proverbs 12 and 25 and these verses specifically spoke to me:
Proverbs 12:18-20 "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy." NASB
Proverbs 25:11-15, 24 "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone. It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman." NASB (contentious- a person given to provoking argument)
We can listen in love by first listening, being slow to speak, and slower to anger. We show this by asking questions: How are you? How was your day at school? How is your family? and truly listen to the answer, watch their facial expressions as they answer. My mom tells of a pastor many years ago who greeted everyone asking how they were but didn't really listen to the answers. She told him one week her monkey died, the next week that her monkey died a week ago, then the following week that her monkey died two weeks ago, it wasn't until the week she said her monkey died 4 weeks ago that he truly listened and stated he didn't know we had a monkey. My mom responded we don't but she wanted to know if he was really listening to her response in how she was doing and that's how long it took him to hear what she was saying. What an eye opening exercise to go through, I pray that this is not something I do.
I love teaching God's Word and as I prepare for each lesson I pray for clarity and help in accurately understanding and teaching His Word. I do call for help from my leaders when it appears a student is not understanding how I am teaching or explaining God's Word. It takes time to prepare first my heart and mind for the lesson, then the lesson and getting to know it well enough to actually teaching it. Teaching God's Word for me is a labor of love and a passion that I pray I will always have.
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