Making the most of a new school year for the gospel

A school year provides structure to our lives. For the student, structure comes in the form of classes, activities, practices, and games. For the parent, mornings are spent making sure the student is ready to go, and evenings are often spent on ball fields and gymnasiums. The structure of a school year is valuable in that it can fill our lives with worthwhile relationships, opportunities, and learning. There is, however, a busyness to the school year that easily produces fear, anxiety, and even dread in our lives. In this post, I want to share 3 truths from Ephesians as we think about glorifying God in the 2022-2023 school year.

1. Make the most of the time.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk - not as unwise people but as wise - making the most of the time, because the days are evil." 

Consider the opportunities you have this school year to develop relationships, enjoy some activities, and grow in your knowledge. Most of all, consider the opportunities you have through it all to be on mission for Jesus. Think about the people you're interacting with on a daily basis in the classroom, on the ball field, or in the community. The world is in desperate need of Jesus Christ, and God will provide opportunities for you to share the Gospel wherever He places you this school year. 
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2. Be prayerful at all times.

Ephesians 6:18 says, "Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints."
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Let this be a prayerful school year. Don't neglect to ask God for guidance when you feel confused, peace when you feel overwhelmed, and strength when you feel like you have nothing left. In Ephesians 6, Paul is writing about spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer. No matter what you face, you can talk to your Father who hears your prayers and rest assured in Him.

3. Be kind and compassionate to one another.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

The busyness of a school year often comes with impatience and short tempers. As followers of Jesus, our lives should imitate Him. Let us be kind and compassionate to one another this school year. When someone irritates you, ask God for the patience to handle it rightly. When someone offends you, consider the forgiveness Jesus offers you and the call you have to forgive others.

These 3 truths from God's Word are applicable for every student and parent, and I pray they encourage each of you as this new school year begins!