BYM ONLINE DESK October 2016 | Page 11

Kindness However sweet, or revolutionary the teachings might be, the way it is presented is very important. If the words are rude and uttered with a grim face, they do not yield fruit. The kindness of the teachers pulls their students to them than their commandments. Though Jesus had authority and power, He taught with grace. “All bore witness to Him and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Lk 4:22). Everlasting Values I like the motto of the schools run by the Seventh Day Adventists - “Educating for Eternity.” Education should not only show the way to progress in this world but also be a guide to eternal life. The first sermon of Jesus was, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mat 4:17). His teachings, parables and commandments were all about strengthening the values of the Kingdom of God and Eternal Life. Life in this world is temporary. Only life in heaven is everlasting and permanent! It is good to open the eyes of the students through education. But it is very important to open the eyes of their soul. Simplicity Some aspects in life are complicated, whereas some are simple. We should not confuse the students over a simple concept. But it is a special art to teach confusing matters in a simple way! I still have not forgotten how clearly my Mathematics teacher explained the Pythagoras theorem, by showing us how the eagle grabs the chicken on ground while flying high. Another parable Jesus taught was the parable of mustard seed. Though small, the mustard seed grows into a big tree(Mat 13:31,32). How profoundly our Lord explained the greatness of the Kingdom of Heaven! Encouragement Encouragement can do wonders even in the life of a person who says “I don't know anything”. “You are the salt of the earth”, “You are the light of the world” (Mat 5:13,14) are the words that encouraged many a man to go forward. The Lord's words, “You give them something to eat” resulted in a great miracle in a crowd of more than 5000 (Mat 14:15). The Lord's words of encouragement to Moses transformed him from a stutterer to a great leader” (Exo 4:12). Jesus encouraged the lowly and disheartened. Hence it is our duty to encourage the students. Adroitness The competence to answer any question, in any place, under any circumstance and at any time is really great! Some people are scared when called in for interviews. Some others are evasive and yet others keep quiet. But we find Jesus answering every kind of question with wit and understanding. He faced the self-righteous Pharisees; strong -willed Sadducees; scripturally-sound scribes; politically-powerful Herodians and various kinds of personalities. He was endowed with the wisdom from above. Hence we too need that Divine wisdom to answer sensibly and reasonably. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Pro 25:11). (Mobile: 9443565477) |PAGE 11|