But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:23, KJV

As Christian educators, we will sometimes find ourselves in conversations where our beliefs differ from those around us. We may hear ideas expressed in the classroom or teachers’ lounge that challenge what we believe to be true. In those moments, we may wonder, When should I speak? When should I listen? And when is it wiser to wait for a better opportunity?

Being faithful to Christ does not mean we have to respond to every disagreement publicly or immediately. Sometimes, speaking the truth in love means having the courage to speak up. Other times, it means listening carefully, building a relationship, and waiting for an opportunity to have a more meaningful conversation.

I once found myself coteaching in a science classroom with a gifted educator whose perspective on faith and science differed greatly from my own. Rather than challenging her in front of the class, I looked for another way to open the door. I asked if she would be willing to read The Creation Trilogy and allow me to place the books in her classroom for students who might be interested. She was curious and asked to read them herself first.

What happened next was far beyond anything I could have planned. She took the books home, read them, and shared them with her husband and extended family. Eventually, she and her husband committed their lives to Christ, joined a church, and began making Jesus the center of their lives.

That experience reminded me that we are called to plant seeds, but God is the One who brings the harvest. We don’t always know which conversation will make a difference or when a seed of truth will take root. Our responsibility is to remain faithful—to speak with grace when God gives us an opportunity, listen when listening is needed, and trust Him with the results.

Every day, you have opportunities to plant seeds in the lives of your students and colleagues. Ask God for wisdom to recognize those moments. May He give you courage when it is time to speak, patience when it is time to listen, and discernment to know the difference.

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to be a light for You in my workplace. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. Help me communicate Your truth with grace, humility, and love. Show me where You are already working, and help me faithfully plant the seeds You place in my hands. I trust You with the harvest. Amen.

Copyright Cheryl Skid. 

Cheryl is a retired Christian Educators member from Missouri.