The memory verses that I am diving into this week deal with being steadfast. Throughout this experience, I have learned that being strong, or steadfast, in my faith is the only way I will make it. The strength of the Lord is all I need. I remarked to Josh Smith the other day when we were talking that I now understand why people lean on harmful substances to get them through life. Alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana are just some of the replacements for God that people put into their lives. I never knew why until now. Luckily, I have Christ in my life.
Not only is Christ my strength, but He is also my motivator. Why would anyone put himself through this torture (teaching where we do) unless he was a sadist masochist?
Anyway, back to that verse I was talking about. Hebrews 12:3 states “For consider Him who endured such hostility by others against Himself, so you do not grow weary and lose heart.” Wow! Do you think that you have it bad in your classroom? Do you think that having a kid be rude to you is tough? How terrible is your intervention period that your administration forced on you? Have you considered your circumstances in reference to what Christ endured? Have you dared to compare the two?
When we realize that Christ never committed any wrongs and was murdered anyway, our situation seems a little less bleak. When we think about Jesus who lived for the sole purpose of serving and saving others, a rough fifth period tends to feel like a nice problem to have.
Not only was Jesus persecuted, but He was also tempted. Hebrews 2:18 states “For since He himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Fellow teachers, Jesus was tempted. Satan himself tempted Jesus in person, and Jesus relied on the authority of the scripture and the strength of the Father to bring Him through the trial.
What is the personal application of all of this? When you are tempted, call on Jesus. When you are afraid you are about to lose control and go nuts, call on Jesus. When you are getting really aggravated about how lazy your students are, call on Jesus. When you get down about how terribly your students treat you, remember Christ’s sufferings on the cross and call on Him to help you.
Realize that Jesus has been there and been through worse. Then, get Him on the main line.
Many people have gone through much worse than we (teachers) have for far nobler purposes. It is good to meditate on that fact. Makes one feel less sorry for himself.
Posted by: Anderson Smith | 09/23/2010 at 05:09 PM