In the weeks leading up to the 2024-2025 school year, I read the New Testament book of James and meditated on how the wisdom therein might guide my actions as a classroom teacher. A few passages stood out to me, and I’d like to share the along with my commentary. Each verse below is taken from the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible.
Teacher’s Commentary on James
James 1:19-20
19 [m]Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
- It’s easy to become reactive, especially when working with middle schoolers and the personalities/attitudes they bring with them. Instead of reacting in challenging situations, I need to respond, being “slow to speak, slow to wrath” if I hope to align with the will of God.
James 2:13
13 For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.
- The misbehaviors of yesterday should not count for today. You might curse me today and incur a consequence. Even if that consequence is ongoing, I should greet you with a smile tomorrow and give you a chance to show you can do better. That is mercy.
James 3:13-17
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, [j]sensual, [k]devilish. 16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without [l]variance, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace [m]for them that make peace.
- I choose not to involve myself with jealous, spiteful, and cliche-like behavior among colleagues, as these behaviors lead to “every vile deed.” There is no wisdom to be found there, and like Solomon, I value wisdom above the trivial matters offered by the world.
James 4:15-17
15 [h]For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that. 16 But now ye glory in your vauntings: all such glorying is evil. 17 To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
- Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so when mistakes are made, it’s important I resolve them as soon as possible. I shouldn’t delay apologies due to students and colleagues, because doing so would be operating on my time when I need to be working on God’s time.
James 5:6
16Â Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.Â
- I must maintain a strong prayer life that takes into consideration the needs of others.
My 2024-2025 teacher’s motto
Summer Break has restored me, and this year, my motto is: Positive Vibes Only. My intentions are to:
- Avoid complaining about my work environment
- Speak positively of students and coworkers at all times
- Treat everyone with kindness and respect
- Stay on my purpose
- Associate primarily with those who share my same values
What are you intentions for this year? Post your thoughts in the comments below!
