A Back To School Guide From God

Through the cries of children who want just one more day of summer fun, the news of school beginning is the harsh reality that even the best of times will have to be replaced with the grind of mental education. Schools are busy preparing for the onslaught of happy faces who will adorn each classroom with glee and happiness at the prospect of spending the next ten months chained to their desks of continuing education. (It's only when you have been out of school for years that you can say things like that.)

As families prepare to return to school, it is important to remember that God should always be a part of that preparation. Time is spent making certain that the proper supplies of paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, backpacks and lunch boxes are purchased so that each child will have the tools needed to work in school. Clothes are bought (some forget to buy enough clothes to cover the body), cars are fixed to drive to school and plans are made to get the most out of school for the coming year. What is often forgotten in these plans is the importance of keeping God as the focus of the child's education.

There are three lessons children should take with them to school. First, they should remember to let their conduct be honorable before others. Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:12 - "Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." Peter was pleading with the Christians to make certain their actions reflected the Lord in their lives before others.

The first lesson our children should be taught before returning to school is to always let others see them behaving properly. This manner of behavior is reflected in speech, clothing, attitudes, friends, work ethic, values and the example of Jesus Christ. Going to school does not mean that we are not to live for Christ. For the next ten months, more hours will be spent in school than in other activity. This time should be spent for God! Stand fast in what you believe in school. (Philippians 1:27) Let your life reflect the virtues of Christianity before others.

Along these same lines comes our second point: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) As students, let your light for Jesus Christ shine - even when it seems the hardest. School is no different than the world you will find when you leave school. There are many good things but there are also many difficult challenges to face. You live for Jesus Christ and remember that school is a place for the people of God to shine their lights! Bring others to the light (John 1:6-13) and walk in the light (Ephesians 5:8-11).

The third thing to remember is that while government may not approve of public prayer in school, you can still pray! Someone said that as long as there are math test there will be prayer in school. Prayer is talking to God. Paul wrote: "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Remember to take God with you to school and talk to God during the day. Let Him be your guide, your counsel, and your help. (Romans 8:31) The most important item in your backpack is your Bible. Take God's word with you and take time during the day to listen to God. Then you can talk with a better mind. Let your conduct be honest before others, let your light shine as an example of Jesus Christ and talk to God! Have a great school year! What you learn this year in taking God to school will help you take God through the rest or your life.

By Kent Heaton

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