Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. Philippians 3:8, NLT
As educators, we spend our days getting to know people. We learn our students’ names, their strengths, their struggles, their interests, and sometimes even what is going on in their lives outside our classrooms. We may know a lot about a student, yet still not really know them.
The same can be true of Jesus. We can know Bible stories, memorize Scripture, attend church, serve others, and even talk about Jesus regularly without truly knowing Him. Knowing about someone is not the same as having a relationship with them.
Jesus made this distinction clear. He wasn’t looking for people who simply knew the right words or did the right things. He wanted hearts that belonged to Him.
As educators, our relationship with Jesus matters because it changes how we live out our calling. When we REALLY know Him, His presence begins to shape the way we respond to the difficult student, speak to a frustrated parent, work with a challenging colleague, or lead when we don’t have all the answers. Our goal isn’t simply to be “good Christian educators.” Our goal is to know Jesus so deeply that His character becomes evident in the way we live and serve.
The good news is that Jesus doesn’t remain distant. He invites us to know Him. Through the Holy Spirit, we can continue learning, growing, listening, and walking with Him—not just in church, but right in the middle of our schools.
So today, ask yourself a simple but important question: Do I REALLY know Jesus, or do I simply know about Him?
Father, I want to know You, REALLY know You. Help me move beyond simply knowing facts about You and grow deeper in my relationship with You. Let Your presence shape the way I teach, lead, serve, speak, and respond to the people You have placed in my school community. May others see You through my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Dr. Jacqueline Minor.
Dr. Jacqueline Minor is the Director of Victorious Educator Ministries and the author of the newly released book: Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display. You can connect with her or read more of her blog posts at www.victoriouseducator.com.
