But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15, NIV
When most people think of a mission field, their mind typically goes directly to Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East. But not an inch on this beautiful planet doesn’t need the Gospel. This includes the space between brightly colored word walls, number line posters, and neatly sorted bookshelves—the classroom.
As Christian educators, approaching the landscape of public schools littered with twisted truths, moral relativism, and LGBTQ issues, it is essential to remind ourselves that Christ is victorious and reigns over all of it. And although Christian educators are not allowed to proselytize openly, they can:
- make it a goal to share the love of Christ with their students and coworkers through their actions.
- strive to stand out and be different so that people may see their good works and bring glory to the Father in heaven.
- love students more deeply through the power of the Holy Spirit since they have known the endless depths of their Father’s love.
- sacrifice more of their time and themselves for their students because they know a Savior who sacrificed Himself to give them life.
- be more gracious to both their students and coworkers because they have had my eternal debt paid by Jesus.
- pursue peace because they are in fellowship with the Prince of Peace.
- exercise more patience because a holy God is patient with them as they constantly fall short and grieve His Spirit.
- bless others because they have had the blessing of being called an adopted child of the King.
- have hope because they have been justified and now stand in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Christian educators, your classroom is your mission field. And you have the power of the Holy Spirit in you, and by His power, you can make a difference in the lives of your students. You can live in such a way that answers the question discussed in 1 Peter 3:15: Where does your hope come from?
Lord, please remind me to reflect on what You have done for me today. Let the boundless love and patience You have shown me flow out to my students and coworkers. Help me to bless others as You have blessed me for the glory of Your name. Amen.
Copyright Macy Wilson.
Macy is a Christian Educators Student Member, currently attending Colorado Christian University and majoring in elementary education.
One Response
This devotional inspires me to start the school year with more love in my heart for my students and colleagues. It’s hard to not to just focus on all the work that needs to be done at the beginning of the school year (I start back tomorrow), but now I’ve been encouraged to keep the gospel my main focus in my classroom. Thank you, Macy, for sharing your heart for God and others.