Category: School

It is back to school time. Whether you go to a public or private school or are home schooled and meet with other students from time to time, you must make sure that you live properly before others.

Some of your class-mates may not care about serving God at all. They may be more interested in things that you know displease God. Though you have to be around such people, you do not have to be like them.

1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us that friends who do not serve God could teach us to do ungodly things. We can pick up filthy words from people who use foul language. These words do not please or glorify God, Colossians 3:8.

If our close friends get angry quickly, we can develop bad tempers, Proverbs 22:24-25. A person who loses his temper does not glorify God, James 1:19-20.

Some people like to do many things that destroy themselves and others. They may drink alcohol, use drugs, or look at magazines and movies that they should not see. They will think you are strange if you do not do it either:

For you spent enough time in the past doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in sensuality, sinful desires, drunkenness, wild celebrations, drinking parties, and detestable idolatry. They insult you now because they are surprised that you are no longer joining them in the same excesses of wild living. 1 Peter 4:3-4 (ISV)

Even if people do insult you, you do not have to please them. They will have to answer to God for the way they lived if they do not repent. You know you will be judged by God; therefore, you should not follow their evil ways.

When I was in school, choosing to do the right thing meant that I was not always popular with my friends. Sometimes when they wanted to do something wrong and I told them I would not, others took courage and did not do the wrong thing.

Sometimes I had to let them go without me because they would not do right and I would not do wrong. Make friends of people who want to please God and encourage one another to do right.

For many of you a new school year has arrived. When you go back, don’t forget to go with the Lord. There may be temptations to do wrong things, talk about others, or choose friends who will not influence you to do what is right. Be sure to stand strong against those temptations as they will not only lead to problems now but may ultimately draw you away from a closer relationship with God. You will be much happier doing the right thing, even when it seems like you are the only one. You are to be a light! And when you do what is right, you may be surprised at how many others will have the courage to also stand for what is right. I pray that you will stand strong and enjoy a joyful school year.

Happy New Year!

I hope this will be a prosperous and joyful new year for you and that you will be blessed with good health and good relationships. As many are making plans for the new year, I hope you will make goals that will draw you closer to God. There are several pages under the Articles tab that might be useful as you make goals and try to start good habits this year.

I’m sorry that I have not written since early December but in addition to the typical holiday chaos of a six person household, my wife and I directed the FC Alabama Winter Camp last week so much time was spent in preparation for camp. It was a rewarding week and I feel uplifted from the few days there.