Week 18: All Teachers Go to Water Burger
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:7
Where do your former teachers go when it is all said and done? We’ve been told that all dogs go to heaven, but what about teachers? I think I’ve found the answer.
Recently I was trying out a new burger joint in our vicinity. For the uneducated, “Water Burger”, as it is commonly known in the Republic of Texas, is the official Texas embassy to all foreign lands. This was plainly taught to my four children while in East Texas, and everyone who knows Texas history knows Sam Rayborn declared it law. While one dines on a cheeseburger they simultaneously receive a visa in the shape of a plastic number. This enables them to remain in foreign lands (such as Tennessee and Mississippi), and return to Texas once America falls apart.
To my surprise, while dining at said Water Burger, I noticed two older women to my right. Immediately it became clear that I knew them. Even with time and age I knew their full names. I approached them and said, “May I ask you a question?” They both smiled at each other because they knew what was coming. Apparently they get such paparazzi all the time, and before I could verify their names they stated that I must be a former student. These were my former public school teachers. Who knew that when you become a teacher you must commit to the trappings of fame! I asked for their autograph on my Texas visa number. They declined.
They did enjoy a conversation with me that took us back to old school days. Both of these teachers in their day were not only good at education, they were women of character. One in particular helped counsel me on faith issues as she taught me high school Anatomy and Physiology. Her science teaching was indeed done well. I remember the process of diffusion and think of her to this day. Why, did you know that if you don’t cover your sneeze you diffuse billions of germs into the air? And for the love of Jesus, please don’t lick your nasty fingers. Do you know what’s on them? More than her anatomy class though, I remember her care. She gave me lots of counsel and care. So many times after class we would talk about the Bible. Often we discussed verses that we didn’t understand, like tying millstones around your neck and such. When I look back, I see that I had so many good teachers that loved Jesus and their profession. Though we were in a public school, they were innocently vocal about their faith. I knew my teachers, where they went to church, and how they grappled with the Bible. I am so glad I knew those things. I often wonder if students have that same experience in the public schools today?
As our conversation progressed I asked my Anatomy teacher if she still attended Graceland Christian Church (and she faithfully still does to this day), and how her husband was doing (and is he, in her words, still impatient with the dog). I hadn’t seen her in 30 years, but I knew her and hadn’t forgotten a thing. They were happy to hear about my life, and it was good to see them. We ended with this statement, “Those were good days.” They were indeed.
We all tend to remember our former teachers. There is something about their influence upon us that is instrumental in our life development. I know this is not only limited to me, and that is why you can walk up to your former teacher in a “Water Burger” and they already know why you are approaching them. They get it all the time because they have been so influential. You know their name, but they say you only look vaguely familiar. You have to help them recall what year, but you recall their impact.
When you have a teacher whose character is coupled with biblical righteousness, the bond is even greater. You look back and see not only their scope and sequence, but their faithfulness to a higher calling. Proverbs 10:7 puts it this way, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” So many of my former teachers were, to use the word in Proverbs, righteous. They weren’t perfect, but because of Christ they were found covered in His righteousness. Take the righteousness of Christ and add it to a school teacher and you have profound influence.
In Christian Education this element is not only a bonus, as it is so often in the public school, but a necessity. Your character is paramount to the job you will perform. Your students will need to know that you are walking faithfully with Christ, that you are faithful to his bride (the church), and that you are seeking to live righteously. You are never told to be perfect. None of my teachers were perfect, but so many of them were found covered in the atoning righteousness of Christ. Do your students see this in you? Do they know these truths about you?
When it is all said and done, one day you will go to the proverbial “Water Burger” as well. When they come up to you, what will they think? Will your memory be one of joy or pain? The Bible promises that if we seek the righteousness of Christ, their memory of us will be a good one. See you at the embassy!
Discussion Questions:
What Godly Character traits do you think students need to see in their teachers?
What righteous memories do you have of former teachers? What did you learn from them that wasn’t in their lesson plans
How can teachers balance their personal lives with Christ and their teaching profession? Should they be separated? Can they be separated?
