I grew up in a home with a teacher for a parent. I saw firsthand how passionate teachers are about the work that they do. They are often up until late at night preparing lessons and grading papers. Then they get up early to get to the school before the kids get there. Their family life often suffers because of how much work they put in after they e taught for eight hours. I’ve learned that most people don’t see or know that teachers put in this kind of effort into educating their children.
Their pay is low, but they don’t do it for the money. They’re restricted in what they can teach, so they have to get creative to make sure learning takes place. Those nice posters in their classroom and other decorations were paid for out of their pocket because they want to create the best possible environment for students to learn in. They’re tasked with doing more with less year after year. Very few thank them for the sacrifices they make.
To help encourage them, I’ve compiled this list of scriptures about teachers. If you haven’t thanked your child’s teacher in a while, let me encourage you to write them a note of appreciation. Put one of these verses in there and encourage them to keep doing what they love. Our future depends on their ability to help the next generation learn.
1. Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. (Luke 6:40 NLT)
2. In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28 GNT)
3. In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. (Titus 2:7 GNT)
4. And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) shall give forth light like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3 AMP)
5. Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can. (Proverbs 23:12 GNB)
6. Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 NLT)
7. My teaching will fall like drops of rain and form on the earth like dew. My words will fall like showers on young plants, like gentle rain on tender grass. (Deuteronomy 32:2 GNT)
8. So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach. (Romans 12:6-7 GNB)
9. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT)
10. Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life. (Proverbs 22:6 GNT)
Bonus:
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT)
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 