Go therefore...

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gives us what is one of the greatest commissions of all time, second only, perhaps, to loving Him and our neighbors. All to often, however, we focus solely on His first few words: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...." While the obedience of going and making disciples is certainly very important, we must not miss the remainder of His statement: "Go...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Teaching, along with going and discipling is an act of obedience we are all called to whether it is a full-time profession, an unexpected, God-given opportunity, or simply by setting a Christ-like example in our daily lives. As such, we are to treat it as with utmost attention. We are to teach, not for our own glory or for our employer, but as unto the Lord. In doing this, every other characteristic of a good teacher will fall in line: love, joy, patience, kindness, wisdom, faithfulness, and maybe even some organizational and classroom-management skills! I believe that as long as I seek Him first and study and work for His glory alone, all of these things will follow, just as He has promised me!