![Many Crayola colored pencils.](/uploads/2/1/4/4/21449656/125072739.jpg?226)
Ah, it's that time of the year again. Notebooks are on sale. Class schedules are being sent home. New outfits are being bought.
Yes, it's time to go back to school.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of school, because of all the work. I'm not a fan of work, because of all the stress I tend to get. But, I do try my hardest and aim high. With God's grace, this will be another successful school year. So let's run through the school supplies checklist, shall we?
Binders/Folders: Did you get something to keep all your papers organized? If you haven't, get one. This way, you can keep track of your homework. No zero’s for homework grades this year.
Pencils/Pens: You can't possibly go into class without these. Do you have a constant supply of them?
Erasers: Mistakes are bound to happen. That's why we need a handy eraser to keep us in check.
And most importantly...God. Do you have God?
Yes, it's time to go back to school.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of school, because of all the work. I'm not a fan of work, because of all the stress I tend to get. But, I do try my hardest and aim high. With God's grace, this will be another successful school year. So let's run through the school supplies checklist, shall we?
Binders/Folders: Did you get something to keep all your papers organized? If you haven't, get one. This way, you can keep track of your homework. No zero’s for homework grades this year.
Pencils/Pens: You can't possibly go into class without these. Do you have a constant supply of them?
Erasers: Mistakes are bound to happen. That's why we need a handy eraser to keep us in check.
And most importantly...God. Do you have God?
School has to be one of the most intimidating places to talk about Christ. There are a mix of people, from the black, to the white, to the everything in between. However, as Christians, it is important that God is in every part of our life. And yes, that includes school.
Believe me, I know the fear of people laughing at me. I know the fear of becoming an outcast. But guess what? God knows it too. When Jesus was here on Earth, He said that we will have tribulations, meaning problems .However, he comforts us to remain happy. (John 16:33) Even when people will not look at you, God is watching you every single moment. So, as God is watching us, we should also set our affections on things above. (Col. 3:2)
Don't be intimidated by the world, but rather, influence the world. Be the salt and light. Spice up the bland, and brighten the dark places. So, make it a goal to tell others about Christ this school year. I have personally made this a goal for myself. Before, I used to be so intimidated, especially since I was the new kid. But no more, because God tells me not to be afraid. It's going to be hard, but with God's grace and His divine strength, I'll be able to achieve it.
First, you need to be sure that you're a Christian. There's no use telling people about Christ, if you yourself don't know Him. Do you know God personally as your Friend and Savior? Think about that for a bit. If you were to stand before God right now, would He point you out as His friend? Or would you be called a slave of sin?
Please think about that for a bit.
Like said before, we should have God in every part of our lives. He should be in our everything. I read a social status some time ago, and it said, 'Jesus died for you in public, so don't live for Him only in private.' This is very true. Jesus suffered for us and was humiliated. What excuse do we then, as His servants, have to keep His love to ourselves? Why be a closet Christian? Hate to break it to you, but the dust bunnies in your closet aren't interested.
We are not greater than Him, but merely followers. So yes, we will be persecuted. I know that fact. I accept that fact. I embrace it. Why? Because God suffered persecution first. He went through it first, so I as a follower will also go through it.
But you don't need to march around holding a flag saying 'I'm a Christian!' to let people know about your faith. They are also the little things like saying 'God bless you' when someone does you a favor. You can also invite others to attend your church service, or wear a shirt from a former church event. Things like that can easily start up a conversation about your relationship with God.
Ask for God to be reflected in your life. When He is reflected in your life, people will notice something...different about you. That’s a good thing, because we are supposed to be different. We are Christians, which means we are strangers in this world. We are pilgrims on a journey, and we will be returning Home shortly.
So when you take your supplies to school, along with that sweet new outfit, don't forget to take God too.