Back to School Check-List

Written by: Sandra Lopez

Version en Espanol 

First day outfit… “Check”

Backpack … “Check”

Pencils, Pens, Notebooks… “Check”

Charged Gadgets (cell phone, Ipod’s, etc.)… “Check”

Books, Calendar’s and Itinerary… “Check”

“Am I missing something?”

   

    Returning to a new school year is not only a little exciting, but it can also be a little stressing. The list above comes from a typical teenager eager to get started with their new school year.  Although the list looks just about complete, something does seem to be missing.  I think you know where I’m going with this seeing that you are reading this through a Christian Website. Yes! God is what is missing in this list.  We tend to do that, don’t we?! We tend to bypass at times the importance of him in our lives. Fortunately, he never forgets us. We must always be reminded that it is only through his mercy that we breathe life. So, let’s start this year off in good faith and add 3 more faith filled items to our Back-To-School Check-Lists:

1) Put God First

    In all you do, God must come first. With the stresses and anxiety of a new school year, things can overwhelm even the most organized and driven person.  Have you given much thought at starting your day with an early prayer and placing all your plans in God’s hands? I don’t know about you, but I love the idea that there is someone else that promises to help alleviate the load. Especially the part of a load where what lies ahead is unknown.

    Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  With a promise like that, what can’t you conquer?! Take a moment to pray before you head out the door to prepare yourself for the plans God has in store for you.

2) Wear Your Faith on Your Sleeve

    This generation has real cool ways of proclaiming their faith.  There’s awesome clothing, great music and cool stickers that lets people know that you are “Not-Of-This-World” (NOTW). Back in my day, boys showed their devotion to their faith by going to school in dress shirts and ties and even a bible stacked atop their books. Girls wore their never failing below-the-knee-length skirts. (Through rain or shine, I may add.) All in all, NEVER shame by declaring that you love the Lord.  Remember that his word says in Luke 9:26 “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father.” That ought to put things in perspective.

3) Proclaim his Greatness

    One of the hardest things for young Christian adults to do is to share the Gospel.  The fear of loosing friendships and coming off “too holy” holds us back from speaking of his greatness.  It’s not about fretting to deliver an elaborate spiritual message standing on top of a lunch table yelling at everyone to repent from their sins. (Oh, those Jimmy Swaggart days. Memories.)  Let’s face it; we haven’t all been gifted with the talent to be preachers, prophets and exhorters. But we have been given a voice and the wonderful Holy Spirit that dwells within us. 

    When a friend of yours is facing something difficult, simply ask them to allow you to pray for them quietly and in private.  If someone is engaging in activities that you know are not acceptable in the eyes of God, respectfully walk away from it.  They’ll understand that you can’t be a part of that. That testimony will speak for you. When given the chance, in essays, term papers and journal entries support your thoughts with your faith.  Those that get a chance to read it have no choice but to sulk in your words and the message will infiltrate.

     We are the light of the world and we must take our roles seriously.  All things, great or small, raised in the name of God, serves our purpose here on earth.  Now with a revamped check-list, march on to your educational endeavors with God fully inscribed in your hearts and he promises to show you his wonders. 

Have a Blessed 2010-2011 school year!

- Shadi