Dixie Bowman

The Bible clearly addresses all areas of life and includes instruction of how we are to behave accordingly (2 Pet. 1:3). For many, the initial obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ is easier than the actual living as a Christian on a day to day basis. This is the hard part (Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:10).

An area that has helped me grow as a Christian and encouraged me when I became weak has been the field of teaching. If there were no teachers, the church that Jesus so willingly gave His life for would soon cease to exist. It is a worthy work. It is a work women can do.

Like any labor of value, teaching must first begin at home. If we fail to teach God’s word to our children and grandchildren we have failed as a child of God. Remember Timothy? He was taught by his mother and his grandmother at an early age (2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:15). Proverbs 22:6 teaches us to "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart." Family Bible studies are nearly a thing of the past. But families that practice regular Bible study together grow as a unit and as individuals better equipped to cope with the often frightening issues of life.

When I was expecting our fourth child I was asked to help teach a fifth grade Bible class. The day I began teaching was the real beginning of my spiritual growth. I rejoice in that day. Since that time I have had the opportunity to teach many age groups and as a result a faith has grown that has helped carry me through some fierce conflicts with Satan that we all experience as we sojourn this earthly existence. Teaching has definitely changed my life for the better as I continue to learn and grow.

My greatest challenge came when our youngest daughter was 2 years old. I was 37 years old and the mother of five when one of the elderly women of our congregation asked me if I would teach a ladies Bible class. I could not and did not say "no." Standing before those women, most of whom were more knowledgeable than I was, required daily Bible study, constant prayer, and the support not only from my family but my brothers and sisters in Christ. I still remember how scared I was. My legs felt weak and my voice faltered, but they didn’t seem to notice. They were just glad that we were all together studying God’s word and learning more perfectly how we each could apply it to our lives as wives, mothers and grandmothers.

God has given me the opportunity and privilege to teach other such classes through the years. It saddens me that so few mature women are willing to do this Bible-taught work. Titus 2:3 says that we as older women are to "teach that which is good." We are to "teach the younger women how to love their husbands and their children." Verse 5 continues by stating that we as the older women are to teach the younger women to be temperate, workers at home, kind and obedient to their own husbands.

If you love God’s word and want to see it active and working in a world that so desperately needs it, volunteer to teach a class. You will be amazed at how much you will learn and how it will flow over into your personal life. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but He does desire that you be willing.

Talk to those who are in charge of the teaching program in your local congregation. They will help you with classroom material and supplies. For ladies Bible class material, you may want to explore some Christians’ supply catalogs. They contain sections pertaining to such studies. I have my own favorite authors and study books, but there is an abundance of good material available. Look them over carefully and ask the elders or other godly men and women to approve your selection.

Please remember that you will not be alone. God’s strength is available to all who ask for and seek it (Matt. 7:7). In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

The faith you will gain through the area of teaching will help prepare you for the greatest battle of your life: the ever raging struggle with Satan. God says it is His fight also (1 Sam. 17:47; Neh. 4:20). We have a tremendous advantage because we have at our disposal the sword of the Spirit, the precious word of God (Eph. 6:17).