Back to School Reminders
[This was my bulletin article for Lebanon Road that was published last Sunday. Due to the space constraints of a bulletin, though, I could not say all that needed to be said. I would really like you to add to my thoughts so that young people can gain from your teaching and encouragement.]
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In the coming days and weeks, our young people will be heading back to schools all over our area, then our college kids will be leaving to start their Fall Semesters. One of the hard things about the summer is that it just isn’t very long anymore. While the summer may have gone by quickly, though, much good has been accomplished.
Now, it’s time to see that “good” put into action! As our young people head back to school, I hope they know that they are often in our prayers. While we may not fully understand every temptation and stress they each face, we can at least acknowledge that things aren’t always easy for a Christian.
Young people, please remember these three things as you go back to the halls of education:
1. Whose you are. “You were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). That “price” was the precious blood of Jesus that saved you from your sin. As Paul wrote, “you are not your own” (v.19). Remember that you belong to the Lord.
2. Why You are Whose You Are. You have shown this summer that you love the Lord, but you love Him because He first loved you (1 John 4:19). Don’t forget the love of God and what that love did for you, even when you are facing great stress and temptation.
3. Christ Understands. The Hebrews writer teaches us that Jesus can “sympathize with our weaknesses” because He was tempted, too (Hebrews 4:15). Take your troubles to Him and let Him walk with you.
We love you and pray that you will let your light shine in your school in 2010-2011.
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If you could add to the list of things to remember when going back to school, what would you say?
4 Comments
Adam Faughn
I received this comment via email from Pam, and got her permission to publish it here:
“I think it is a good idea to remind our members that our kids need them more than ever in the world we live in today. And it takes all of us encouraging our kids to help them face and overcome the temptation in this world today. I could never have raised my boys without the help of the family at Lebanon Road. I wish everyone would take the time over the next few months to send the kids a card, an email message, a text, a facebook message or in some other way to encourage them to stay strong. With technology today it is very easy to stay in touch with our kids. And sometimes it means more to them to receive an encouraging word from someone other than mom. And this not only applies to those leaving home but those still at home too. All our kids need us. We don’t want to lose even one precious soul.”
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Rachel
It means so much to kids/students to receive encouragement from those at Lebanon Road. Some of the things that helped me(and I know others too) were encouraging words I received on Wednesday night at Bible study. Sometimes that’s just what students need to finish the rest of the week strong.
Kyle
Very good thoughts Adam! I had similar thoughts recently and they developed into a lesson. “The Christian in School” is a lesson the congregation at Leighton looked at a few weeks back. I had four reminders: 1) Remember to let your light shine.(check out Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ…”) 2) Remember the souls-don’t just see the people around you as the janitor, the lunchroom lady,the principle, your friend, the choach, the band director, etc. See them as souls in need of God’s message (school is a large mission field-John 4:35 and 36). 3) Remember who you represent (God-Christ, Yourself, Your family, Your congregation and the church the world over)(Colossians 3:23). 4)Remember you are not alone (Joshua 1:9). I reminded us adults that with school starting back we too would get back in the swing of our school time schedules (picking the kids up and dropping them off, going to ball practice, many will be returning to work from vacations) theses same things apply to us in the work place as well as the ball field and the school!