The Beginning of a New School Year

Topic(s): Priorities, Youth

Some of us old-timers remember when our academic year in public schools in America began each year on the day after Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September. The month of August is less than one week old, and classes in some public schools in our part of the state have already been in session for a few days. It seems as though the opening day for classes keeps getting earlier and earlier.

While the dates for the beginning and ending of a school year may fluctuate, there are some things that should never change in the lives of those students who are Christians. Parents and grandparents, may I make a special request of you? Please sit down with your kids and/or grandkids and read this brief article together, then discuss it with them. Doing so just might help them stay out of the pits of sin and help keep them on the course that eventually leads to heaven. While this article is directed particularly to our young people who are still students, the principles also apply to Christians of all ages in any environment.
To my young brothers and sisters in the Lord who are students (and to those who are quite young, but will, Lord willing, one day obey the gospel), please consider these appeals when you go to school each day.

1. Guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). It is true that many things will be said and done at school that you will have no control over. Other matters, however, are under your control. As much as possible, protect your eyes and ears from trash. Nothing is more important than keeping a pure heart (James 4:8).

2. Do your best in your studies and school activities (Colossians 3:23). The work ethic that you demonstrate (or fail to demonstrate) helps other people form an opinion about you. That opinion becomes your reputation. And how you conduct yourself at school not only determines your own personal reputation, but it also causes others to form an opinion about your family and the church. Reputations count (Proverbs 22:1). It is hard to “clean up” a tarnished reputation.

3. Refuse to partake of any substance that harms the body and/or affects the mind. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). A person is foolish to dabble with booze, drugs, and tobacco products (Proverbs 20:1).

4. Put on the whole armor of God and be ready to resist the temptations of Satan that will surely come your way (Ephesians 6:10-18). Do not fall into the trap of blaming others or saying that the devil is just too powerful or too crafty. Instead, be ready to do what the Bibles says to do: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

5. Be respectful to others. You will not be a close friend of every person, and you may not care for some of your teachers, but you must treat all humans with respect (Philippians 2:3-4). Be courteous at all times, even to people who are not kind (1 Peter 3:8). God wants His children to respect those who are in positions of authority, including school administration, teachers, and coaches.

6. Have a good time in the lawful activities that you enjoy, but at the same time, do not allow them to interfere with your responsibilities as a Christian. Enjoy yourself, but always put God first (Matthew 6:33), keeping your heart focused on getting to heaven as your number one priority in life (Colossians 3:1-2). It should be Christ over club activities, God over games, and worship over weekend outings. If your parents are not yet as strong in this area as they need to be, then help them out by your good example.

7. Be careful in choosing your friends. The Bible says it so clearly: “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Many have learned this lesson the hard way. Don’t become another casualty to the Master’s Cause, rather come out from them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17).

8. Remember to make/save time. You will be so busy with school stuff that you may at times feel like your head is spinning. Remember to save time for your family, prayer, personal Bible study, and getting together with other young members of the church. When you have a thirst for righteousness and spiritual things, God will see to it that you are filled (Matthew 5:6).

9. Take advantage of every opportunity to teach the gospel to others. As a young person, you know a lot of other young people. Some of the most influential members of the church are still students in school. Use your influence to encourage others to attend Bible class with you, or make arrangements for a personal Bible study that you or someone else can teach. Teach, teach, teach (Matthew 28:19).

Young people, we love you, and we want you to go to heaven. We will not lie to you and tell you that we somehow passed through our younger years without making mistakes. God knows, we know, and you know, that everyone makes mistakes . We readily confess that we are far from perfect. We also admit that we want to help you in every way we possibly can. In good times and bad, in moments of sadness and joy, remember to trust in the Lord with all of your heart (Proverbs 3:5).
—Roger D. Campbell