By Shelly Burke, Editor
The Bible truly can guide us in any situation in life. In
Deuteronomy Moses commands us, concerning God’s commands and instructions, to “Make them known to your children…”
(Deut. 4:9b) Talk with your kids about the following verses and how they can
apply them at school, no matter what grade they are in.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Matthew 22:39) Ask, “Who is
your neighbor?” Share examples of how kids can love their “neighbor”—teachers,
fellow students, administrators, lunch ladies, bus drivers, janitors, and so
on. Talk about saying “hello”, being
respectful, showing the new student around, sitting with an unpopular student,
being a good friend.
“Set guard, Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
(Psalm 141:3) Discuss how gossip, being rude, and saying hurtful things is not
showing God’s love. Role-play changing the subject when someone else is
gossiping or talking negatively. Discuss how to react to a teacher who is angry
or perhaps treating your child in a way that your child feels is unfair.
“For we all stumble in many ways.” (James 3:2) If one of your
kids is a perfectionist, or hard on himself or herself over any mistake,
reassure him that no one is perfect (except for God, of course)--the Bible says
so! Of course we should always do our best, but “best” doesn’t have to be
“perfect.”
“God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your
ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that
you may be able to endure it.” (1
Corin 10:13b) This is a good verse to talk about when discussing peer pressure
and making good decisions. God assures us that there is always a way to get out of the situation. When my sisters and I
were teenagers our dad told us, “You have
to know what you will do if you find yourself in a situation that involves
making a choice—whether you’re with people who are drinking, you’re alone with
a boy, or others are cheating on a test.” As age-appropriate, talk with
your kids about what they’ll do or say in any of these situations. Many
families have a code word or phrase; if they call their parents and say the
word or phrase, the parents know to come and pick them up immediately as they
aren’t comfortable in the situation.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Remind your children
that God is with them in any and every situation, at school and everywhere
else. If they are nervous about a test, upset because of problems with a
friend, dreading a difficult class, sad because they didn’t make the team,
embarrassed because they dumped their lunch tray…God is right there with them.
He cares for them. Reassure them that they are never, ever alone. They can pray
to God wherever they are, whatever they are doing. They don’t need to fold
their hands or close their eyes. They don’t need fancy words; they can just
share their thoughts with Him. He cares for them…ALWAYS.
What other verses can guide your
kids during the school year? How can God’s Word guide you during your life,
every day?
