Back to School
As the calendar turns over month by month, we see half the year already behind us. Summer vacations are over. Pool trips are now waning. The sights and sounds of summer are ending. For all students, this means one thing: school is on its way! Yes, the sound of a “Trapper Keeper” opening, the unique smell of an elementary school, and the ringing of the school bell all together cause different emotions and feelings. For some, it’s the emotion of, “Already? I thought we just got out of school!” For others, it’s, “I can’t wait to graduate. Let’s get this year over with!” For the most studious types, it’s a feeling of excitement - almost as, “All right! It’s time! Let’s get my ‘learn’ on!” Whichever category you currently or formally fell into, you can relate to the mixed emotions of those entering a new school year. Excited! Yes. Dreading it? Yes. Scared? Maybe. Bummed? Yes. All of these emotions (and probably many more) surface during these uncertain times.
Is this a new feeling? No. Are you the only one ever go to into a new school? Definitely not. Jesus taught in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (my emphasis added). Now, we may be taken aback by Jesus’ statement. Learn from whom? From Jesus. All knowledge ultimately comes from God, Himself. Titus 3:14 also explains the need for instruction, saying, “And let our people also learn (my emphasis added) to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” As a church, we, like children, must never stop learning. There is only One “Know-it-all.” He is God above. What lessons does God desire for us to learn as the students go back to school?
Seek God. Seek God’s Will. Seek God’s love. Seek God’s knowledge. We are taught in Proverbs 3:5 to “lean not upon our own understanding.” Why? Because all of the earthly “book” knowledge cannot hold up to God’s ultimate wisdom. Proverbs 16:3 adds, “Commit your works to the Lord. And your thought will be established.” Because we can do “all things” (Phil. 4:13) through Christ, we can certainly seek God with all our being as well.
Trust in God. Simple at first read. Right? Oh, I guess I’m going to just “Trust in God.” But, when the times get tough, do we follow through on our original commitment or bail? Philippians 4:19 is clear: “And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Not “supply” as in “They don’t have any left-handed scissors at school, and I need a pair for my “supply.” Supply as in God’s infinite source of all things good and never ending. God is promising to give us everything we need for success.
Serve God. 1 Samuel 12:24 clarifies, “Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in trust with all your hearts; for consider what great things He has done for you.” In your academic highs and lows, do not fear other students (nor teachers)! Remember, Moses’ words: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who gives with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. What a promise!
Give Glory to God. In everything, success or failure, give Him His rightful glory. Paul reminds: “Therefore, whether you was or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This “whatever,” I believe, includes school.
Give Worries to God. Whether you are a kindergarten student or a wading through a PhD, one thing is constant: the prevalence of worry. “I’m worried about the grade I made on a test,” or, “I’m worried I’m not going to make the top 477 in my class.” Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us “Be anxious for nothing.” What did that say? “For nothing!” Jesus, reminds in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit (about 18 inches) to his stature?” Not one of us!
Jeremiah 29:11 says it best: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Do we serve a God who would drop us off at school, forget about us, and never remember to pick us up? NO WAY! We serve a great God who loves us completely. So, study hard! Don’t give up! Try your best! These are some of the best times of your life. Just you wait and see!