THOSE WHO CAN DO--THOSE WHO CAN'T TEACH

Heard this statement long ago and I really don't like it! "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach." The idea is that those who are able to perform in a job or a vocation, do that. Salesman sell and businessmen do a business. But those who are not able to sell or run their business instead go into teaching others to do these things. It says that the successful people perform in the field of study; others who can not perform have to teach others. I don't like that, and I don't believe that. Maybe one reason is that I am gifted and skilled in teaching. And it is a spiritual gift given to some to teach. (See Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, and Ephesians 4:11-13)

But as I get older, I realize that there is some truth in this also. Those who have learned to do in ministry and the church teach others or should teach others to do ministry. But that is not just something that should wait til the minister gets older and is unable to "do" ministry anymore. Ephesians 4:11-13 says that the gifts to the church, the "apostles, prophets, evangelists and the pastors/teachers" are given to the church to "equip the saints (everyday believers) for the work of ministry" so that the "body of Christ will be build up."

Too often, though, we have seen this as just preaching or leading a Bible study for others. Has this equipping occurred from this style we've depended on for so many years? Look at the state of the church in our country today, and tell me what you see. Do we see the church growing, reaching, making disciples, so that the "gates of hell shall not prevail against it"? Maybe there is a need to spend more time "making disciples" and "teaching them to observe (obey)" than has been done just in two or three sermons per week.

But too often, too, I think we have seen teaching, whether the pastor doing the teaching or Sunday school teachers doing the teaching as "imparting knowledge" rather than helping people be "transformed by the renewing of their minds" (Romans 12:2) or seeing "life change" (a term thrown about today a lot). "Transformation" requires time, and energy, and as is said today, "life on life." It is, again, as is often said today, "doing life together." If focuses on the quality and time in relationships--time being together, time doing together, time challenging one another to live out the faith, live out the truth found in Scripture. It is found in being "missional" (another catch-phrase today), doing missions together--God's mission--"making disciples, baptizing, teaching to obey Christ's teaching."

I like the verses in 1 Thessalonians 2 (esp. 7 ff), where Paul talks about "doing life together." He says, "we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that were delighted to share with you NOT ONLY THE GOSPEL OF GOD, but OUR LIVES AS WELL, because you had become so dear to us." (NIV)

Discipling (another catch-phrase today)--not just imparting knowledge through preaching and teaching, but as the gospel is shared, sharing our LIVES as well. Being transparent about our struggles living the gospel, so that others can be open and honest about theirs. But then challenging one another to grow and mature and change. Being accountable to others who will pray for us, encourage us, live life among us, so that we will learn to "live out" the teachings of
Scripture.

It should be that in all of life, whether "pastors or teachers" or regular people in all walks of life, believers should seek to be equipped and to "equip others for the work of ministry." It seems that this is the way that the "gates of hell shall not prevail against" Christ's church.

How are you "doing life together" with others? And how are you "equipping others to do the work of ministry"? You shouldn't have to be old to do this or unable to "do" anymore, in order to teach and equip others. You should just be faithful, available, and teachable to God and by God. (2 Timothy 2:2)

"As you go, make disciples; as you go baptized; as you go teach them to obey Christ's teachings." (Matthew 28:19-20) Not just for the old but for every believer, every follower of Christ.

Those who can should do; but those who can do also should teach!

Where are you in this? "The gospel of God, but also your very life as well--shared."