“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 ESV).
When I was in first grade, my parents had to pry me off of whatever I held onto for dear life to get me to school. You see, in my class was chaotic and a sassy, six-foot red-headed girl (as I recall), and her little sidekick friend intimidated me often. The girl told me that her dad could beat up my dad or even that her mom could beat my mom up. So, since I was a sensitive child who loved his mom and dad, I wanted to part ways with this school and classmates. One day in the fall, I made my escape during recess with my neighborhood friend. We had almost walked all the way home when my dad slowly drove up to us. My dad asked why I was walking home. I lied and told him that I had a half-day, but the truth eventually came out. I did receive a punishment, but I thankfully never had to attend another class at this school because my parents transferred my sister and I to Bethlehem Lutheran School in Saginaw, Mich. I continued my education at Saginaw Valley Lutheran High School and Concordia University Ann Arbor. Each of these Lutheran schools taught me many academic lessons but, most importantly, they taught God’s “Forever Mercy.”
When I transferred to Bethlehem, I noticed a much different school atmosphere, which continued as I moved on from one Lutheran school to another. It was peaceful. Teachers smiled and genuinely liked their students and jobs. For me, Lutheran schools were like coming home after an exhausting day. School was relaxing and comfortable. I believe that this atmosphere was created because Christ was first in everything. Basically, teachers did their best to serve as Christ has taught us, and their service and love made a difference in my life.
[Tweet “Teachers did their best to serve as Christ has taught us, and this made a difference in my life. “]
I attempt to follow the wonderful examples of service shown by Christ and the Christian leaders from my education. I try to daily show Christ to my students and their parents. However, just as I ran away from first grade, I run away from God’s will. Maybe you can relate.
Remember when you didn’t always love your students the way you should?
Consider a time when you spoke poorly of your students’ parents.
Have you ever judged a colleague?
We make a royal mess daily, but thankfully God forgives us and still works through us despite ourselves. In fact, you may never know how your words or actions showed God’s love. Your Christ-like service may, with the help of God, lead a student to Christ, and this could have an eternal impact.
Running away from school turned out to be a great decision, because I was able to attend Lutheran schools. Likewise, our students and their families are with us for some reason, and we have a wonderful opportunity to love and serve them. Do your best to serve God at your school, but when you eventually fail, remember that Jesus paid the price for you. If you feel overwhelmed as I once did in first grade, remember that God is right there with you. Remember, He will never run away from you.
[Tweet “Our students are with us for a reason, and we have a wonderful opportunity to love and serve them.”]
