Getting Ready For School

The start of a new school year is right around the corner. If you don’t know this, it’s only because you have no children at home anymore, or you seriously need to get out of the house and go for a walk through the local retail outlets. The must-have school supply circus has been going on for weeks already. Before long it will be like the last minute Christmas rush with shoppers disappointed that all the good stuff is already gone. It seems every teacher, in every class, in every school, demands a specific accumulation of articles to survive their course of learning. I don’t remember, even with our own children, having to submit and supply so much to comply with the wishes of our educators. Next!

Just like any other organization, schools need God’s wisdom to reach full potential. If you are a student who is a Christian, consider some of these ways you can use your influence to B.U.I.L.D. your school this year. * Break Out of Cliques. It is easy to get attached to a certain group of people due to common interests. However, as Christians we need to be a blessing to all people (Galatians 6:10). God doesn’t show partiality (Romans 2:11), and we need to have contact with those in need in order to be effective servants of God. * Uplift the Discouraged. When you see someone who is down, don’t join in with others making fun of them. Instead, be like Barnabas and be an encourager (Acts 4:36). Use every opportunity to show God’s love for the downtrodden. * Inspire with God’s Word. While God’s word may not be taught in your school, that doesn’t stop you from spreading the wisdom of the Bible in your daily life. Invite your friends to church services. Have a personal study with them. Engage in discussion about spiritual matters. All of these things will help point people to God. * Lead by Example. The apostle Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Conduct yourself during your school hours in such a way that people can see the influence of Christ in your life. * Discover Ways to Help. Don’t just wait for opportunities to do good works, but actively look for them. As Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38), so should we. That’s what Christians are created for (Ephesians 2:10). * This year, you can be an active force for good. Use the tips to B.U.I.L.D. up your school! Prayer develops strength and courage.

[John 14:12-14] “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Wait! Greater works than what Jesus did while He was here on this earth? There’s no doubt that the King of Kings was the servant of servants. He lived servitude: washing feet, touching a leper, raising the dead, multiplying food, curing the sick, teaching the lost, loving the unloved. And then He endured all He did before hanging on a cross for all of us. He is the peak of what a servant should be about. And yet, He tells us that if we believe in Him not only would we be doing the works that He did but we would do greater works than these. How? Again, we limit our perspective. We have to open it up by submitting, trusting, and obeying to let God do incredible things through us. After all, His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. Let God drive the car of your life and stop grabbing for the wheel. If He can provide eternal life for sinners through His Son’s death, then there’s nothing He won’t do for and through you. What great works will He do through you if you’re willing to serve? My prayers are with you students. God’s Love!