The Teacher and The Stolen Watch

Among the things I avoid looking at online are videos and articles that attempt to “expose” ministers. Some are by critics who simply disagree with a particular preacher’s theology. Then there are so-called watchdogs who believe their calling in life is to warn of clergy who have stumbled into sin. I question the motives of these watchdogs, especially when they bring up offenses committed decades ago. Are they seeking to restore or want someone they don’t like removed from the pulpit? Those who fit the latter category would benefit from reading this story I’ve seen circulating online:

An old man sitting on a park bench was approached by a young man who asked, “Do you remember me?”

The old man replied. “No.”

“I was your student.”

“What do you do now in life?”

The young man answered: “Well, I became a teacher.”

“Ah, like me” said the old man.

“Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.”

“What did I do that made you decide to become a teacher?”

The young man then told him the following story:

“One day, a fellow student arrived with a new watch. I was immediately drawn to it and managed to steal it from him when he removed it and placed it on his desk. Shortly after, my friend noticed the watch was missing and promptly alerted our teacher, you. You immediately addressed the class, stating, ‘This student’s watch has been taken during class today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’

“I didn’t return the watch because I didn’t want to. Then, you closed the door and instructed us all to get up. You announced that you would search our pockets one by one until you found the watch. However, you told us to close our eyes because you would only look for his watch if we all had our eyes closed. So, we did, and you went from student to student, having them empty their pockets. When I emptied mine, you found the watch and took it. You continued checking everyone’s pockets until you were finished. Then, you said, ‘Open your eyes. We have the watch.’ You didn’t say anything to me, nor did you mention the incident or who stole the watch. That day, you saved my dignity forever. It could have been the most shameful day of my life. I made a decision right there and then that I would never do anything like that again. You didn’t say anything to me, nor did you scold me or take me aside to give me a moral lesson. Nonetheless, I received your message clearly. And thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do. Do you remember this episode, professor?”

The professor answered, “I remember the stolen watch, but I didn’t remember you, because I also closed my eyes while looking.”

There are times when confronting sin is necessary. Jesus taught us the right way to do so in Matthew 18:15-17. However, if you correct people by humiliating them, then you don’t know how to teach.

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” - Galatians 6:1