In the last month or so, as God has dealt with my hardened heart and willful sins against Him, He has given me yet another reason to strive for purity of mind, heart, and deed. I once heard a pastor talk about how, if we as Christians each comprise a single part in the body of Christ, each one of us must perform our particular job if the body as a whole is to work properly. If not, the body ceases to function at its maximum capacity. And so it is when sin penetrates the Body of our Lord, Jesus Christ. When I sin, I not only hurt myself, but I adversely affect every single one of my brothers and sisters who bear the name of Christ. Just like in any group activity or team sport, if I’m not pulling my own weight, the rest suffer.
So, last week, as one of my precious students was dealing with a crisis of morality and faith, the Lord, in his sweet mercy, provided me with yet another reason to seek the righteousness of God… for my students. This poor, sweet girl stood up for what was right, which as we all know, can be terrifying at any age, let alone middle school. I know this girl to be a believer. So, after class, I tried to encourage her, share Scripture with her, etc. And as I walked with her through this situation, my hypocrisy met me face to face.
I can teach these things, no problem. I have enough knowledge in my head, along with access to biblegateway.com, to be able to find Scripture to encourage people. But it’s all for naught if I’m not striving after those very same things in my own life. So, in that moment, the teacher became the student; and I was overwhelmed.
I long so deeply to, even if in some small way, demonstrate the love and kindness of Christ to my students. I know I have failed more often than I have succeeded. And I imagine if my students are reading this, they would laugh at the thought of comparing my behavior with that of Christ. I am weak, yes. Christ is greater by far. So, by his grace, I hope that I have communicated the love of Christ to them (and not just the wrath of the Father.) My students need the grace of Christ. And since I cannot openly declare the Gospel in my classroom, I must publicly live the Gospel in my everyday interactions with them.
(If you are one of my students… please know that I have tried as best I can to love you. I am sorry for the times I have failed. To those of you I have hurt, please forgive me.)
As for the rest of you… Creekwood rules. Go Colts. 
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