TODAY’S VERSE:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Summer is coming to an end, fall is approaching, and we all know what that means; it is back-to-school time! Some of you may have just groaned loudly and slumped in your chair, while others sat up straighter with excitement for the new school year! Whatever your emotions may be about going back, it is absolutely happening. Since you cannot change that fact, how can you make it more of a positive experience and less of a dreaded one? Your perspective, of course! Do you know what that word means? It basically is your attitude toward something. Here is an example: your mom tells you to go clean your room; you can either sulk, mutter under your breath, and suffer through it, or be grateful. What is there to be grateful for, you ask? So many things: you HAVE a room to clean, it is better for your health to have a clean environment (less dust, mold, even trip hazards- lol!), and you are being obedient to your parents and, therefore, to God!
Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Just like cleaning your room, school is important for many reasons: it is where you are taught skills in math, English, science, and more, so you can find and keep a job, manage your finances, and function in society as you grow up. When you start working as an adult, you will be surrounded by all kinds of people, just as you are at school. This is an opportunity to learn how to work in harmony with others. Remember, you will likely spend many more years in the working world than in school, so enjoy this time of learning! School is truly a blessing, and you should be grateful for it! Not only is it a blessing, but it is also an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others through both your words and deeds. Go read Romans 12 for some wonderful examples of what that looks like!
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Did you notice the term “giving thanks” in that verse? Being grateful is at the very heart of having a good perspective about chores, school, and everything in our lives! The verse of the day tells us to be thankful in ALL circumstances! It may sound impossible, but it is not! The Lord Jesus Christ found joy in His extreme suffering on the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
How was that even possible? Jesus had perfect perspective. He knew that His suffering would result in the salvation of God’s children; He trusted in God the Father and was obedient to Him. We know that growing up is tough and going to school can be very challenging at times. However, no one has ever suffered or will ever suffer as much as our Lord did on our behalf. So, if He can find joy while on the cross, we can find it in school, right? Absolutely!