VITAMIN B

#1 · August 30, 2006, 9:21 am

Quote from Forum Archives on August 30, 2006, 9:21 am
Posted by: bhfbc <bhfbc@...>
VITAMIN B

August 27, 2006

TEXT: Proverbs 22:1-6

This morning, we recognized our children who are growing older and bigger and smarter. Except for maybe the smarter part, the day will dawn when they might not look forward to those birthdays so enthusiastically. But for now, let them have their anticipation and fun. Of course, if we tried to promote any of our adults, our Boards of Christian Education and Deacons would probably have to field some complaints. So you adults hang in there and stay where youre at. Or try another class if you want. Were flexible.

In addition to recognizing some of our children earlier, I want to recognize our teachers. First, if you teach a children or youth Sunday School class, please stand. Stay up. Now adults. Next, any substitute or alternate teachers. And Sunday School Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Secretary. We praise God for their willingness to serve, and we thank them for serving.

I wanted to have a moment of recognition because these verses from Proverbs, like nearly all the verses from Proverbs, make a clear distinction between doing what is right and doing what is wrong and discerning between the two. Verse 3: A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Verse 4: Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Verse 5: In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

Just these three verses alone are great advice. Imagine how much anyones life is enhanced when they apply three simple verses from Proverbs. Then observe all of the other verses from Proverbs that anyone can apply to his/her life. Then consider all of the verses of the Bible that provide specific instruction from God. Whose life would be worse for applying the wisdom and teaching of God? Even though those of us who gather for worship may be biased, we know that heeding Gods Word not only improves our lives, it gives us life. It is life.

So here is the meaning of this: How do we learn this? How do children grow to discover the meaning of the Word of God and to understand what is meant by the thorns and snares that snag those walking along the path of the wicked? By listening to the pastor, of course! He knows everything. No, Im kidding. Verse 6 teaches us to Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Children learn from a variety of sources, and one of those sources is their Sunday School teacher. Never, ever underestimate the significance of the influence you have in the lives of your students. I have yet to meet anyone who has spent at least some time in the church as a child who cannot reflect on the influence that at least one Sunday School teacher had on his or her life and even spiritual growth. Thats why I recognized our teachers and support personnel in our Sunday School ministries this morning. Your ministries are awesome, and you do awesome ministries.

We also recognize that its not always easy. Its not always easy to deal with the students - children or adults. Its not always easy to prepare every week. Its not always easy to think that youve made any impact. That can cause even the most dedicated teacher to get a little down sometimes.

Well, one of the solutions recommended in our physical lives when we get a bit tired and draggy is to supplement our diet with vitamins. So this morning, Im going to offer you some vitamins. They are all Vitamin B, but they are all good.

Vitamin B-1 is BE faithful in your devotions. This can be a challenge. Childrens Sunday School class teachers miss out on the adult Sunday School classes. That can be one of the drawbacks to teaching. And teachers of both children and adults can be so time pressed that all they have time for is lesson preparation instead of personal devotion.

Now I know as well as anyone that preparing for lessons and sermons can be as much a spiritual growth experience as any other type of personal devotion, but I also well know that it is not always that way. All Christians need to practice the disciplines that lead us to deeper, personal relationship with God. The well known disciplines of Bible study, meditation and reflection, and prayer need to be practiced by all Christians, including teachers and pastors. Without these basic disciplines, we lose our effectiveness. A senior Chaplain in one of my commands would frequently tell us, You cannot give what you do not have. He would tell it to us in Latin, which sounded impressive, but hed always have to provide the translation for all of us standing there wondering what hes talking about. Apparently, I cannot give you the Latin, because I do not have it. You cannot give what you do not have. No Sunday School teacher can give evidence of a vibrant, growing, personal relationship with Jesus if he or she does not have it. Do not forget to take Vitamin B-1: BE faithful in your devotions.

Vitamin B-2: BE exposed to creative ideas. Modern education theories show us that learning happens in a variety of ways. Im not going to stand here and try to pretend Im an expert at any of this, or even know many details. I dont. But there is a creative secret to being creative: creativity does not necessarily mean originality. A word of caution: always be honest. If you didnt come up with the idea, always give credit to the person, or source, who did. Dont pretend something is your idea if its not. Beyond that, it is my experience that most people who do have original ideas are more than happy to share them. In fact, thats why they usually get them published in Christian books, journals, and magazines. In the modern world, some even zap them around in e-mails just to let other people know about them!

Make an honest effort to expose yourself to as many creative ideas as possible. Doesnt mean you have to use everything you come across. In fact, Id venture to guess that you will not use most of the ideas you come across. But just the exposure gets your own creativity ideas flowing, and you can bring into your classroom things that you think might work. If there are resources you need, dont be afraid to request them from our Sunday Superintendent or Board of Christian Education. If we have the resources, theres not much we would turn down. I know that routine enhances the classroom in many ways and assists in the learning process, but there is a difference between routine and rut. Taking the creativity vitamin can help every teacher keep that spark of enthusiasm and purpose alive and well. Vitamin B-2: BE exposed to creative ideas.

Vitamin B-3: BE patient. There is not a one of us here who does not want to see results when we get involved in something. We want to see development and progress in anything we invest our energies in. Sunday School teachers are no different. They want to see results in their students: more Biblical knowledge; more respect for others; more awareness of Jesus in their lives. The tough thing to acknowledge is that those results do not always appear quickly.

An important secret to remember about results is that patience is the foundation of results. Most results, especially those having to do with personal development and growth, become visible only through dedicated practice and sacrifice. David S. McCarthy, author of Memo to a Weary Sunday School Teacher, writes, Im slowly learning that it takes blood, sweat, and years to build mature Christians. Even so, discouragement sometimes steals into my thoughts and whispers, Whats the use? Youll never see growth in the lives of these boys and girls, men and women. Thats when the Lord jogs my memory, and I recall times when growth did take place. One December I attended a high school basketball game, mostly to watch a six-foot-seven-inch senior who hadnt gone out for the sport until that fall [T]he big fellow looked terrible. He was nervous and uncoordinated. Despite his size, he was outplayed by his coverage and scored just three points. It was evident to me that the big center wasnt going to make all-anything. In fact, it would take luck for him to make first string for the high school. Frank never gave up. He improved his shooting and rebounding skills with every game. In the first round of the state tournament he demolished the opposing team with an outburst of forty-four points. Our team won the state title; Frank was the Most Valuable Player in the tourney; and he even won a basketball scholarship to a nearby university. Fans who watched frank set a scoring record saw a confident, mature ballplayer. What they didnt see was that young giant at practice. They didnt see him shooting hook shots until his weary arms nearly dropped several hours after his teammates had showered and gone home to supper. They didnt see the coach patiently explaining techniques and offering encouragement when Frank was ready to quit basketball forever. Patience produces winners, both in sports and in the world of Christian lives. In Gods work we sometimes grow discouraged when immediate results fail to appear after the lesson on Sunday morning It isnt the single lesson that brings results, but rather the long-term proclamation of Gods truth. Whenever there is a dramatic breakthrough in a students life, you can count on the fact that many lessons and influences produced readiness for the outward commitment. (David S. McCarthy, Memo to a Weary Sunday School Teacher, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Judson Press, 1978, pp. 44-45) David sums up the situation well. We trust that Gods purpose will be accomplished in His time. Vitamin B-3: BE patient.

There you have it. Remember to take your vitamins - something for all Christians whether they are teachers or not. Vitamin B-1: BE faithful in your devotions. Vitamin B-2: BE exposed to creative ideas. Vitamin B-3: BE patient. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Rev. Charles A. Layne
First Baptist Church
Bunker Hill, Indiana
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Posted by: bhfbc <bhfbc@...>

VITAMIN B

August 27, 2006

TEXT: Proverbs 22:1-6

This morning, we recognized our children who are growing older and bigger and smarter. Except for maybe the smarter part, the day will dawn when they might not look forward to those birthdays so enthusiastically. But for now, let them have their anticipation and fun. Of course, if we tried to promote any of our adults, our Boards of Christian Education and Deacons would probably have to field some complaints. So you adults hang in there and stay where youre at. Or try another class if you want. Were flexible.

In addition to recognizing some of our children earlier, I want to recognize our teachers. First, if you teach a children or youth Sunday School class, please stand. Stay up. Now adults. Next, any substitute or alternate teachers. And Sunday School Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Secretary. We praise God for their willingness to serve, and we thank them for serving.

I wanted to have a moment of recognition because these verses from Proverbs, like nearly all the verses from Proverbs, make a clear distinction between doing what is right and doing what is wrong and discerning between the two. Verse 3: A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Verse 4: Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Verse 5: In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

Just these three verses alone are great advice. Imagine how much anyones life is enhanced when they apply three simple verses from Proverbs. Then observe all of the other verses from Proverbs that anyone can apply to his/her life. Then consider all of the verses of the Bible that provide specific instruction from God. Whose life would be worse for applying the wisdom and teaching of God? Even though those of us who gather for worship may be biased, we know that heeding Gods Word not only improves our lives, it gives us life. It is life.

So here is the meaning of this: How do we learn this? How do children grow to discover the meaning of the Word of God and to understand what is meant by the thorns and snares that snag those walking along the path of the wicked? By listening to the pastor, of course! He knows everything. No, Im kidding. Verse 6 teaches us to Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Children learn from a variety of sources, and one of those sources is their Sunday School teacher. Never, ever underestimate the significance of the influence you have in the lives of your students. I have yet to meet anyone who has spent at least some time in the church as a child who cannot reflect on the influence that at least one Sunday School teacher had on his or her life and even spiritual growth. Thats why I recognized our teachers and support personnel in our Sunday School ministries this morning. Your ministries are awesome, and you do awesome ministries.

We also recognize that its not always easy. Its not always easy to deal with the students - children or adults. Its not always easy to prepare every week. Its not always easy to think that youve made any impact. That can cause even the most dedicated teacher to get a little down sometimes.

Well, one of the solutions recommended in our physical lives when we get a bit tired and draggy is to supplement our diet with vitamins. So this morning, Im going to offer you some vitamins. They are all Vitamin B, but they are all good.

Vitamin B-1 is BE faithful in your devotions. This can be a challenge. Childrens Sunday School class teachers miss out on the adult Sunday School classes. That can be one of the drawbacks to teaching. And teachers of both children and adults can be so time pressed that all they have time for is lesson preparation instead of personal devotion.

Now I know as well as anyone that preparing for lessons and sermons can be as much a spiritual growth experience as any other type of personal devotion, but I also well know that it is not always that way. All Christians need to practice the disciplines that lead us to deeper, personal relationship with God. The well known disciplines of Bible study, meditation and reflection, and prayer need to be practiced by all Christians, including teachers and pastors. Without these basic disciplines, we lose our effectiveness. A senior Chaplain in one of my commands would frequently tell us, You cannot give what you do not have. He would tell it to us in Latin, which sounded impressive, but hed always have to provide the translation for all of us standing there wondering what hes talking about. Apparently, I cannot give you the Latin, because I do not have it. You cannot give what you do not have. No Sunday School teacher can give evidence of a vibrant, growing, personal relationship with Jesus if he or she does not have it. Do not forget to take Vitamin B-1: BE faithful in your devotions.

Vitamin B-2: BE exposed to creative ideas. Modern education theories show us that learning happens in a variety of ways. Im not going to stand here and try to pretend Im an expert at any of this, or even know many details. I dont. But there is a creative secret to being creative: creativity does not necessarily mean originality. A word of caution: always be honest. If you didnt come up with the idea, always give credit to the person, or source, who did. Dont pretend something is your idea if its not. Beyond that, it is my experience that most people who do have original ideas are more than happy to share them. In fact, thats why they usually get them published in Christian books, journals, and magazines. In the modern world, some even zap them around in e-mails just to let other people know about them!

Make an honest effort to expose yourself to as many creative ideas as possible. Doesnt mean you have to use everything you come across. In fact, Id venture to guess that you will not use most of the ideas you come across. But just the exposure gets your own creativity ideas flowing, and you can bring into your classroom things that you think might work. If there are resources you need, dont be afraid to request them from our Sunday Superintendent or Board of Christian Education. If we have the resources, theres not much we would turn down. I know that routine enhances the classroom in many ways and assists in the learning process, but there is a difference between routine and rut. Taking the creativity vitamin can help every teacher keep that spark of enthusiasm and purpose alive and well. Vitamin B-2: BE exposed to creative ideas.

Vitamin B-3: BE patient. There is not a one of us here who does not want to see results when we get involved in something. We want to see development and progress in anything we invest our energies in. Sunday School teachers are no different. They want to see results in their students: more Biblical knowledge; more respect for others; more awareness of Jesus in their lives. The tough thing to acknowledge is that those results do not always appear quickly.

An important secret to remember about results is that patience is the foundation of results. Most results, especially those having to do with personal development and growth, become visible only through dedicated practice and sacrifice. David S. McCarthy, author of Memo to a Weary Sunday School Teacher, writes, Im slowly learning that it takes blood, sweat, and years to build mature Christians. Even so, discouragement sometimes steals into my thoughts and whispers, Whats the use? Youll never see growth in the lives of these boys and girls, men and women. Thats when the Lord jogs my memory, and I recall times when growth did take place. One December I attended a high school basketball game, mostly to watch a six-foot-seven-inch senior who hadnt gone out for the sport until that fall [T]he big fellow looked terrible. He was nervous and uncoordinated. Despite his size, he was outplayed by his coverage and scored just three points. It was evident to me that the big center wasnt going to make all-anything. In fact, it would take luck for him to make first string for the high school. Frank never gave up. He improved his shooting and rebounding skills with every game. In the first round of the state tournament he demolished the opposing team with an outburst of forty-four points. Our team won the state title; Frank was the Most Valuable Player in the tourney; and he even won a basketball scholarship to a nearby university. Fans who watched frank set a scoring record saw a confident, mature ballplayer. What they didnt see was that young giant at practice. They didnt see him shooting hook shots until his weary arms nearly dropped several hours after his teammates had showered and gone home to supper. They didnt see the coach patiently explaining techniques and offering encouragement when Frank was ready to quit basketball forever. Patience produces winners, both in sports and in the world of Christian lives. In Gods work we sometimes grow discouraged when immediate results fail to appear after the lesson on Sunday morning It isnt the single lesson that brings results, but rather the long-term proclamation of Gods truth. Whenever there is a dramatic breakthrough in a students life, you can count on the fact that many lessons and influences produced readiness for the outward commitment. (David S. McCarthy, Memo to a Weary Sunday School Teacher, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Judson Press, 1978, pp. 44-45) David sums up the situation well. We trust that Gods purpose will be accomplished in His time. Vitamin B-3: BE patient.

There you have it. Remember to take your vitamins - something for all Christians whether they are teachers or not. Vitamin B-1: BE faithful in your devotions. Vitamin B-2: BE exposed to creative ideas. Vitamin B-3: BE patient. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Rev. Charles A. Layne
First Baptist Church
Bunker Hill, Indiana

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