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Matthew 18:6 – But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. (NIV)
It was very hot outside, and I had just come in from doing yard duty. I was so thirsty that I didn't bother waiting to get a glass of water from the staff room. I simply bent over and drank a long cooling drink from the fountain on the way to my classroom.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tiny grade one boy watching me intently. He had a very puzzled look on his face. When I stood up, I asked him what was wrong.
"You're drinking from the fountain," he whispered in awe.
I was puzzled at this obvious statement, but I replied, "Yes, that's what I was doing."
"But you're a teacher!" he exclaimed in amazement.
"Yes, I am a teacher, and I was thirsty. Don't you drink from the fountain when you are thirsty?"
"Yes, I do. But I'm a kid. Only kids are supposed to drink at fountains. Teachers drink out of glasses."
I was really taken aback at that observation. In the days when I had just started teaching, I knew that many children saw teachers as just a little less than God, but I had never heard it so vividly expressed.
I told him that teachers are just big people, and it's okay for them to drink at fountains. But I don't think that I convinced him, because he still had that dubious look on his face as I turned to leave.
I told him that he had better get to his classroom, and I had to get to mine, then I hurried off down the hall. However, I noticed that he was still watching me as I turned into my room.
This little encounter made a deep impression on this young teacher, who had just recently dedicated her life to the Lord Jesus.
If such a simple action disturbed this little fellow so much, how carefully I would have to watch my speech and actions if I were to set an example for my students as well as others I met.
As the years passed by, this lesson has stayed with me, and I have continually asked the Lord to help me "walk my talk". I am reminded of one of the lines of a Sunday School chorus, "Oh, be careful little one what you do, for the Saviour up above is looking down in love, so be careful little one what you do."
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, have been called to be His witnesses in our everyday lives through the way we live, not just through our talk, but in our actions, which speak so much louder than words. Amen.
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Well said Sharon.
Beautiful and powerful, yet simple easy to understand lesson!
Loved your analogy and message, Rosy.
God is good.
Thank you
A simple, beautiful, and strong message and reminder.
Uh – oh! You never know who is watching, do you? Good one, Sharon.
Hope you are enjoying sunshine and beautiful warm temps.
Sharon: Thanks for sharing the experience that has influenced your life. I hope you didn’t stop drinking at the fountain at times. Separateness is not Emmanuel.
Sharon, this is a good story of yourself that you sared with us. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and allow you to share with us again soon.
Good Devotional Sharon, Thank you.
And Thank you for dedicating your life to teaching…and learning from the kids.
I know how difficult it is to be in the teaching profession today with cut backs and constantly increasing added duties.
May the Blessings of Easter be with you and your loved ones.
Thank you for your continued devotionals. I found today’s especially heart warming. It sounds as though you had a different lifestyle than you have now and it is heart warming to know it can happen. I continue to pray for my son to seek the path but it is difficult for me to get my thoughts across to him. He has been in and out of trouble and had problems with addictions for many years. Thank you for your wisdom.
Hi Sharon,
This is a very touching account and one that teachers can relate to far better than any other people. I am a teacher still helping students after almost 50 years of teaching. I could see the entire picture in my mind’s eye, having done many a playground and bus duty in my time. You point about guarding our actions in front of children cannot ever be stressed more and long enough. Thank you for sharing this vignette.
Blessings.
Dear Sharon,
I was delighted with your devotional and loved the story about the little boy and his awe that you would drink from the fountain.
I was a teacher way back in the late 1940’s and my husband was a teacher and principal until he retired. Times have changed so much. I can remember that he was chastized in his early years by a board member because he had won first prize at a card party!
I am so pleased that you can bring your Christian values to your work, not in a preachy way but in showing love to these children, many who need love so badly. They are very blessed to have you.
May God bless you.
A wonderful message assuring us not only the eyes of the Great Beholder are watching us every turn of the road, but also that our actions, here on earth, are being observed by those we come in contact with daily. I wonder, did your little friend think you were doing wrong?? One will never know. However the incident certainly made you aware of the fact one should not only talk the talk, but walk the walk in one’s journey through life, day in and day out. I loved your message, also made me take account of myself and remember to be a constant witness for my Lord never letting my guard down, of course with HIS help and guidance.