The 5 R’s: Lessons We Value From Educators Beyond The ClassroomSample

The Value of Responsibility

The value of responsibility was taught early in school when teachers chose “helpers” who were given special responsibilities to assist with classroom needs and routines. These responsibilities, no matter how small, gave us a taste of leadership, accomplishment, and a sense of honor.

Responsibility was also taught by educators who held us accountable—those who gave us their expectations and held us to them. While grace has its place in certain circumstances, the educators who taught you that deadlines aren’t guidelines, but the finish line, taught you an important life lesson that served you well through school, work, and life. Experiencing uncomfortable consequences that followed a lack of responsibility is a powerful lesson to keep us on track if we are ever tempted to procrastinate or ignore our responsibilities again. Do you recall an educator who taught you through reward or reprimand the importance of responsibility? How did they change your life?

Are you quick to do something difficult that God has prompted you to do or do you try to ease your conscience by doing something that is easier or enjoyable? Did you ever meet a math teacher that was content to give you an A+ for turning in a drawing instead of your Math homework? Would your boss be just as happy to receive your golf scorecard instead of the budget report he asked to be on his desk first thing in the morning? Let God grow you and glorify Himself in all the responsibilities He has planned for you. Live out the value and honor of responsibility.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the educators in my life who helped teach me the value of responsibility. Thank you for creating us with the desire to be a leader, a helper, someone who makes a difference in the lives of other people. Help me to remember that all I accomplish is in your strength and Spirit. Let my eagerness to complete what you called me to do be a reflection of my faith in you. Thank you for the educators who showed us in the classroom the skills we need to serve you in this life.