E2H Aug. Issue

BACK TO SCHOOL

You may have thought it about it all summer. Or, you may have been pushing the idea out of your mind. Regardless, it’s popped into your head—the first day of school. If you’re anything like the average teenager, then you’ve already picked out your clothes for the first day of school; you have your locker number; you know all your classes; and, you’ve talked to several of your friends about how much you’re dreading the first day.

And … you’ve thought about the message you want to send out on that first day. Maybe you’ve changed a lot over the past few months, and you’re excited about returning to reveal the new you. Some will return attempting to show everyone how much they’ve grown. Others will anticipate a fresh start: this year they’ll be more popular, they’ll make better grades, they’ll excel in sports, and so on.

But in all of this activity will you remember to put something first? Will you make up your mind to exhibit the qualities of a Christian more in this year than you did last year? Be forewarned, there will be many who will attempt to ruin this resolve, but true courage rises from resistance. I like what Ralph Waldo Emerson said about courage:

Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.

Unfortunately, Christian conduct is often sacrificed in the school halls for other trivial things, like approval and acceptance. And, a Christian at school will experience times of uncertainty. Sometimes it won’t feel right. But confidence and a convicted mind will continue regardless.

Courage is necessary because you’re ultimately fighting a battle. It’s easy to forget in the daily life of someone in Birmingham, AL. Waking up, going to school, returning home, finishing homework, and hanging out at home until bedtime is just an ordinary day. It’s hard to believe that a war is being waged throughout such a day. That a battle for the minds of men happens between school and band practice! And, although the devil would never warn us of such, the Bible is very clear about this war. Ephesians 6:10 reads:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We shake off the seriousness of temptation and sin, but the Bible does not mince words. When you return to school, have fun and grow, but don’t forget the battle. Have the courage to stand up for the Christian faith.

-BK