Five Christian Keys for Heading Back to School
Students and teachers head back to school next week as the summer concludes. The desire for many of these individuals revolves around the hope of a semi-normal to normal school year considering the past year. The students and teachers face an increase in responsibilities, a busy schedule, and various forms of academic and relational pressures. For the Christian, these realities form temptations that hinder one’s growth with the Lord. As a result, the believer needs to remember five critical keys as he or she headed back to school.
First, REMEMBER THAT YOUR VALUE IS NOT IN A GRADE. Every student ought to give their best to learn and grow as a student. Some students find passing tests, reading books, or writing papers easy while others struggle. Each student receives different grades. These grades do not provide ultimate value as an individual. The Psalmist wrote, “I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:14). Each person’s value is great because everyone has been created by the Lord. One’s value rests not in the thoughts of people, but instead is grounded on the truth of being a creation of the Great Creator and thus has great value. At the end of the day, do not value yourself on a grade, but find value as a special creation of the Lord.
Second, KNOW THAT SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS YOU. The Christian needs to recognize that living for Christ provides a model for others to follow. The Apostle Paul knew the importance of such a life as he wrote to the church in Corinth, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). A Christian student must live a life that honors and reflects the Lord so that others follow the example. Likewise, Christian teachers model Jesus for their students to see a life impacted by Christ. The world is filled with pain, hopelessness, and struggle. People long to find meaning and belonging. This means that the Christian student and teacher ought to recognize the need of others and demonstrate Christ, so others see the healing, hope, and stability that comes as a follower of Christ.
Third, REFUSE TO NEGLECT THE BIBLE. As the assignments come from teachers, students face various forms of reading and work. After school activities like band, sports, and clubs fill calendars and occupy time leading to the threat of abandoning the engagement of Scripture. The Psalmist penned, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Though a believer ought to complete the assigned task related to their academic and school journeys, the abandonment of engaging the Bible must not occur. The investment of time in reading the Word of God leads to the guidance the believer needs in life to navigate the hurdles that come before them. Through the year, let the Word of God guide you, protect you, and provide for you a way to discern truth during the academic journey.
Fourth, SEE YOUR SCHOOL AS A MISSION FIELD. Christians enter the school year with the opportunity to serve as an ambassador of God’s kingdom and a missionary representing the Lord. Jesus declared, “Don’t say, ‘There is still four more months, and then comes the harvest?’ Listen to what I am telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.” (John 4:35-36). The temptation for Christians to delay sharing Jesus occurs when one believes a more opportune time or place exists. He or she faces the temptation of the not yet ready as a witness or a crop. Jesus would tell students and teachers to open your eyes and see the readiness of the field. He would challenge each to see the school as a mission field that exists as ready for the harvest. For the follower of Christ, school becomes a prime and fertile ground to declare the gospel.
Fifth, WORSHIP THE LORD THROUGH YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY. The Apostle Paul made it clear that every component of a believer’s life ought to glorify the Lord. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Paul’s use of the term “everything” indicated that all of life should glorify the Lord. Thus, as teachers and students enter the doorway to the school their academic journeys ought to reflect the glory of the Lord and bring him praise.
As the new school year begins, may students and teachers set a course to honor the Lord in their work and study. May this year lead to a time of worship through study. May teachers honor the Lord through caring engagement. May students grow in knowledge and understand the greatness of the Lord in a deeper manner. May the 2021-22 school year be understood through the opportunity to grow in the Lord.
