BACK TO SCHOOL

Most of you are aware that the children of Camden County returned to school this past week. You may have heard warnings to be alert and watch for school buses and the precious cargo they carry. Those in college have returned to their campuses (or they are going for the first time). This is certainly a busy time of year. I want us to draw some things from returning to school that we can apply to our Christian lives.

We must practice self-discipline. During the summer break, you may have been able to stay up later and sleep in the next morning. Now that school is back in session you have to discipline yourself to get enough rest and get up on time. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Self-control is included in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7).

We must study. Perhaps you really took the summer off and never cracked a book. That’s not very unusual. However, now that school is back in session that must change in order to make the grade. “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

We must be dedicated. If you approach your school work half-heartedly, your success is doubtful. Perhaps you play sports, or are in the band. You have to be totally dedicated to be successful. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Finally, you must be faithful in attendance. Someone has said, “Putting a person in a pew doesn’t make him a Christian any more than putting a wheel barrow in a garage makes it a car.” That is true, and putting a child in a classroom doesn’t make him a student. However, it is difficult to be a good student or Christian without faithful attendance. “(N)ot forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Practice self-discipline; be students of the word; remain dedicated and committed; and faithfully attend the services and work of the church. By doing so, you will greatly increase your chances of success.

--Lamar