Don't Teach Opinion

Knowing  your audience is critical but it is not the only truth of teaching.  Here's another good one - don't teach opinion. 

I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”
John 8:38

 These are Jesus' words as he speaks of teaching truth.  While he was on earth, he spoke the things of heaven and did the things His Father instructed him to do.  What a model for all of us as teachers.

No matter how much you may be able to argue that your opinion is correct - if you can't prove it then it is only your opinion.  If you can show objective, clear and solid evidence that "your opinion" is long term truth then "your opinion" is not your opinion but rather "truth." 

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.  
Eccl. 1:9

Teachers merely pass on truth.  Teachers do not create truth even if they discover a new application or new knowledge.  As we teach, we teach something that we have "learned" and if that "opinion" has been proven for enough years, it is no longer opinion but verifiable truth.  What do you want to teach someone if you only have one minute left?  If you have only five minutes left?  Hopefully you want to teach them truth - truths that will change their life.  Would you spend those few minutes on a opinion or on your words added to a truth that can stand on its own?

Why do teachers add so much to simple truth?  Is it to hear themselves speak?  Is it because they have thoughts?  The pupil does not need to become a replica of the teacher in method or opinion.  The pupil needs truth that can be applied objectively to change his life or work for the better.  Let's look at an an example:

 A teacher teaching pupils the truth  "do not use empty, vain or coarse words" can help the pupil better his life.  However, the truth is not simply "don't use" but "why don't."  The great teacher will teach the "why" along with the "do" so that their pupils can live better lives and have better work.  Pupils are naturally going to ask for examples but the wise teacher will not get sidetracked into making lists of words that are "an empty, vain or coarse word".  Why?  He will only be able to provide lists of words subjective to each culture, time and personal experience and will either teach forever or just "teach his cultural opinion."  If the student has a similar life situation, the "cultural specific" list might help for the moment but the student will starve in the long run.  Teaching without opinion is the better option. 

Wisdom knows though that language is and always will be cultural and situational. One word, in one situation, in one life might be fruitful while simultaneously unfruitful in another life, situation or culture.  If this teacher begins to identify words for his pupil, he will find himself speaking to every life, situation and culture. The teacher can should redirect the student, "I could give you a list or help you evaluate words but let's try something that you can use", and objectively : 1) define what an empty, vain and coarse word is by explaining the "why" a word becomes such;  and, 2) teach "why" it is not beneficial to use such words.  In this way the student learns a truth that can be transported and applied into many cultures and result in godliness in all of them. 

Opinion is like learning to pronounce words based on the dialects and accents of individuals across the country.  Truth is more like learning to pronounce words based on phonics.  If you learn phonics for Western English, you are able to pronounce most any word in that language as it was objectively developed.  If someone questions your pronunciation, you can point back to the objective truth.  If someone learns phonics from you, then they can speak any word.  If you only learn the pronunciation of certain words or with certain accents, you may not be able to inteligibly speak a word new to your vocabulary.

Opinion often leads to legalism, conflict and lists of do's and don'ts because it can not provide an objective, explainable standard.  Truth is truth no matter where it is applied.  Truth is not only provable but has been proven.  Truth is found in God's Word for Christians and in journals and lab results for trades.  Truth is replicable again and again.  Truth is Jesus.  Teach what you know and stop teaching the moment you say to your student, "I think...."