Back To School

As the vibrant, cobalt evenings of summer begin to fade, the crisp breezes of Fall drift in and bring with them the excitement of Friday night football, freshly sharpened pencils, new spiral notebooks waiting to be filled and a certain bittersweet anticipation that comes only once a year.
We send our children back to school with our spoken (and unspoken) expectations chipping away at their lazy day memories of summer. We load their backpacks with school supplies and their souls with the important life lessons and the indispensable values we hope will protect and prepare them for another year.
Whether your child is an accomplished athlete, merit scholar, or star of the drama department, the most significant lesson you can ever teach them is the same: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. . ." (Colossians 3:23)
Motivate your children to do well in school- not just to get into a great college or win a scholarship (although those things are wonderful) but to bring honor to God.
With the uncontainable presence of the Holy Spirit permeating everything we do, what we do well becomes our sacrificial offering to the Lord, for His glory!
Every task, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, when done with a true spirit of worship, also becomes a tangible testimonial bearing witness to God's own inherent goodness.
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do. . . " (Ephesians 6:7-8)
Making an effort to do your best at every task placed before you requires quite a commitment, but by helping your children view tonight's homework as an opportunity to serve God, you will encourage their hard work and keep them motivated. When your children know they are not only pleasing you, the parent, but also God their enthusiasm will naturally increase.
"So. . .whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) As we begin another school year, take a minute to say a prayer with your children and thank the Lord for all the new and exciting ways to serve Him!