by Justin Morton
As our students, teachers and other educational workers step into a new school year, they experience a mix of emotions: anticipation, excitement, anxiety and even some fear. My prayer for each of you is that this year will be a blessing in your life and that you will find ways to share the goodness of God with those around you.
With the beginning of this new school year comes the opportunity for our staff and students to be a light in the middle of a sea of darkness. Not everyone in your school shares the same values as you. Not everyone has the same morals as you. And sadly, not everyone desires to live their lives in accordance with the will of God the way you do. This means our students, teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other support staff have a great opportunity to be a light for Jesus.
As Christians, whether we are in the school system or in other areas, we should think of ourselves as a lighthouse. One of the purposes of a lighthouse is to help guide ships safely through the darkness and fog by providing a bright light to help aid when visibility is limited. Christians are kind of like a lighthouse. We have the opportunity to help give light to our fellow students and teachers in the middle of the sea of darkness.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
As you embark on this new school year, allow yourself to be a lighthouse in your school. Use your influence to be positive, compassionate, kind, trustworthy and faithful. As the apostle Paul would say, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).
We are praying for all of our students, teachers and staff this school year. Let us all shine brightly as a lighthouse of hope and faith in our schools and workplaces, guiding others towards the goodness of God.