It is time for our kids to go back to school. This time of the year can be stressful for parents, teachers, and students. Parents must buy school clothes and supplies. They must get into the routine of dropping their kids off at school and picking them up. They also must start preparing to help their kids with homework, study for tests, and chauffeuring them from one extra-curricular activity to the next.
Teachers must prepare to educate and instruct a new crop of students. Many of our kids must prepare for late nights of homework, studying, filling out college applications, and preparing to take major exams.
What are our kids going to do to honor God this school year? In what ways can parents help their kids honor God? Let’s consider a few helpful “back to school” verses.
Deuteronomy 31:6
- Shortly before passing away, Moses urged the nation of Israel to have courage. They needed to be bold, vigilant, established, and fortified in God. They needed to courageously cross the Jordan and conquer the land God promised them.
- Our young people also need courage. They need the courage to stand for what is right. They need to walk and talk differently boldly. They don’t need to be afraid to say “no” to peer pressure and avoid getting close to those wanting to pull them away from God.
- Courage is an essential spiritual school supply.
Proverbs 1:7
- The first part of this passage commands us to fear the Lord. We must have reverence and respect for the Creator of the universe.
- The second part of the verse is essential for our young people. It admonishes them not to despise wisdom and instruction. Only fools see no value in reading, studying, learning, and strengthening their minds.
- This verse shows us that being a servant and seeking an education are not incompatible. These things are not at war with one another. Developing our minds can help us be better servants of God!
Proverbs 1:10-16
- Young people can get into trouble if they pick the wrong friends. Bad associations can lead them down a path of destruction and influence them to commit evil.
- The passage above urges our kids to choose their friends wisely. They need to be cautious. They must choose to hang out with those who will influence them for good.
- As parents, we have a responsibility to help our kids picks good friends.
Matthew 7:12
- This passage is commonly referred to as “the golden rule.” It challenges us to treat people in a godly manner all the time. We need to treat others like we desire to be treated.
- We should never mock and bully others. We should never look down on others because they are poor or look different from us. We should help those in need and befriend those who are lonely.
- We should follow in the righteous footsteps of Jesus!
John 3:16
- This verse reminds us of our true value. God determines our true worth. God loves us so much that He gave us His Son to die and provide a path for us to go to heaven.
- Knowing this helps us avoid getting caught up in trying to gain approval from people. It helps us avoid getting down on ourselves and feeling worthless. It helps us avoid allowing bullies and critics to lower our self-esteem.
- God loves and values us at the highest level!
Conclusion:
Have you responded to God’s love?