Corresponding Episode
Leading Differently Together | "Teachers" With Amy-Jo Smith
James 3:13-18
ESV (English Standard Version):
"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
NLT (New Living Translation):
"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."
NIV (New International Version):
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
Walking It Out
Reflect
Meditate on the qualities of humble and righteous teaching.
Consider how these characteristics are exemplified in the life of Jesus and in the educators that have positively influenced you.
Engage
Seek out a teacher or someone with a gift of teaching and acknowledge their contribution.
Offer words of encouragement and support through a note, conversation, or a prayer to uplift their spirit.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for educators and those graced with the gift of teaching, that they may teach with humility, exude righteousness, and be filled with wisdom from above.
2. Pray for our learning communities to be safe places of peace where teachers and students alike can cultivate and reap the fruits of righteousness and understanding.
3. Pray for your own journey of learning and supporting educators, that you might embody the meekness of wisdom in your interactions and be an empowering presence for the teachers in your life.
OTHER LINKS
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Email: podcast@careimpact.ca
Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca
