“So, give your servant [educator] a discerning heart to govern your people [students] and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (I Kings 3:9).

What do you most want in the 2021 school year? You probably told a spouse, friend or family member what you wanted for Christmas. What have you asked God for in 2021? As an educator, what do you most desire? What is your highest priority? What are you seeking first in this new year? Is it a return to “normalcy” and all “face to face” instruction? Is it to just simply get through each day with your head above water — completing the responsibilities for the day? Is it to have your students score respectably on the state exams in the spring even though COVID-19 paralyzed and crippled education for a time? Is it to increase the joy and motivation of self and students?

Over two thousand years ago, God asked a young man what he most desired (I Kings 3:5-14). God wanted to grant the young man a wish. This young king, Solomon, did not ask for riches of silver and gold. He did not ask for submissive loyal subjects, the death of his enemies, or a long life. He did not ask for the most beautiful princess in the land. He simply asked for wisdom. He asked for a discerning heart with which to govern the people. He wanted to be able to distinguish between right and wrong and to know what God wanted him to do in each and every situation. Solomon felt inadequate for the job at hand and knew he needed to rely upon God’s wisdom because he could not do his job without it.

This answer greatly pleased God, and He not only granted Solomon wisdom but also riches, honor, fame and a long life as well. God promised him that he would be a unique king: that no past, present or future king would ever be like him.

Do you desire God’s wisdom above all things in your classroom in 2021? Do you want to know what is right and wrong and what the Lord wants you to do in each and every situation you will face at school in 2021? Do you want to be a unique and highly successful educator? It begins by humbly acknowledging your complete dependence upon God and a simple prayer from your heart, “O Lord, give me the wisdom to govern your children and distinguish between right and wrong.”

“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).