Last Sunday morning, it was hard
to keep our children focused on the lesson during Bible class. They were very
excited about going to school the next day and it was most important that they
inform me what grade they would be starting. Last night at midweek Bible study,
I was given reports on how they like their teachers and whether or not they
have been given homework yet. I
remember being excited about a new school year because it meant shopping for
new school supplies. (Things haven’t really changed much for me in that area.
You can still leave in Staples for a few hours and I’m completely content.)
Last
week, I came across a new podcast, which I fell instantly in love with. This is
a podcast hosted by the Faughn family, a husband and wife, who are simply trying to share anything
that will help make life easier for other families. I have been following their
blog for sometime now, so I was really excited to see them join the podcasting
world. In keeping with the back-to-school theme, their very first podcast (not
counting their introductory episode) features what spiritual tools are needed
for going back to school. I strongly encourage you to listen to it here, but just in
case you aren’t able to do so, enjoy the notes I took below.
Spiritual School Supplies list (from a parent’s
prospective):
1.
A
ruler-to measure our words. Do not be surprised to hear your children
badmouthing teachers, coaches and classmates if they listen to you badmouth
bosses, coworkers and neighbors. We need to be the godly example for our
children to follow and we need to help them remember that while teachers and
coaches are the leaders, they are still human and will mistakes. Sometimes they
will make bad decisions and we need to be understanding and forgiving.
“Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that
it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Let your speech be alway with
grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6
“In the multitude of words there
wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19
2.
Glue-to
stick to God’s word. Often we acknowledge the importance of practices
and homework, but we let Bible study fall by the wayside. It is our job to encourage
our children to find time for God’s word. It is our job to make sure Bible
study is a priority in the life of our child. Encourage them to read a chapter
every morning with breakfast if they have an afternoon full of activities or
vice versa. It doesn’t matter what time of day we study, it only matters that
we get the spiritual food we need everyday.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my
feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105
“According as his divine power
hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”
2 Peter 1:3
3.
Scissors-to
cut our harmful influences. Sometimes it is our job as
parents to cut off harmful influences because our children are not old enough
to recognize it yet. To do this we must be aware of who our child’s friends
are.
“There hath no temptation taken
you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you
to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a
way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“Be not deceived: evil
communications corrupt good manners.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
4.
Paper
& Pencil/Laptop or iPad-to communicate with God. Like
supply #2, we need to encourage our children to make time to speak with God in
prayer. To pray every morning that He will guide the decisions for that day and
to always thank Him for our blessings. Our children need to hear us mention
them by name in our prayers and ask God to guide the decisions they make.
“Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15