The other day I read a social media post that cranked me up a notch or two. Well, truthfully, it was one of many. But, there was something special about this particular one that ignited some thought. My FaceBook friend instructed his followers to share the post if they agreed. It read, "If you want God back in our schools share this post". Well, excuse me for being at odds with this thought. Certainly the thought of God being in our public education system resonates with my articles of faith. There were second thoughts however---
1. God is in our schools.
The creator of all things is gloriously omnipresent and is already in our schools. And, our homes. And, in the White House. And, in the halls of Congress. And, on I-26 during the morning and evening commutes. It's a consistent theme of Scripture, his presence. Several verses illustrate this truth---
Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself
in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and
earth? declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23: 23-24, ESV
For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.
Job 34:21, ESV
2. God is always working.
Jesus explained this when he said, "My Father is working until now, and I am working" (John 5:17, ESV). There are, of course, many additional Bible truths about the work of God. They affirm not only that God is always working, but that he will complete his purpose in what has been started. Note---
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at
the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6, ESV
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2: 13, ESV
The truth is that God is always working his purpose in everything, and will bring that work to completion according to his plan.
3. If there is one authentic Christian administrator, staff professional, faculty member, or student in that school God is certainly there.
It is another power truth for Christians living in this broken world. He lives in his people and can influence the world through them. It is his plan. Note these verses---
Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?
2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And
the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me.
Galatians 2:20, ESV
And, of course, as in each of these brief reminders, there are many additional texts of affirmation.
OK, I know my social media friend was talking about prayer in the public school system and the government prohibition thereof. But, the reality is that, in spite of SCOTUS rulings and the heavy hand of government systems to silence the prayers of the faithful, every believer attached to school systems around the nation can in reality pray throughout the school day. And, there's more. Churches and faith organizations in the USA are praying for our schools, and, additionally, working in our schools for Kingdom purpose. Yes, we can pray. Even more, we can influence school life through service that blesses students, honors and acknowledges the role of administrators and faculty, and influences educational systems beyond the prayer closet. Yes, brethren, we can connect.
In the mystery of his ways, God had chosen to use earthen vessels like us to bear witness, even if silently, as his connection to the world around us. So, if we really want God in our school systems we must learn the biblical disciplines of prayer and witness. The entire New Testament is affirmation of God's equipping Christ's disciples to impact culture, social systems, government, and even our well entrenched public school systems. Learning to pray, teaching and instructing fellow believers in the graces of prayer and witness are the essence of discipleship in our local churches. The truth is, if God isn't in our educational environments, it's because his people are prayer-less and don't understand the miraculous power of living the Christian life publicly. Sadly, most Christians and churches are disconnected from classrooms, principal's offices, lunch rooms, after school programs, and school board meetings.
Hey, kids. We are the connection. So, let's pray, connect, and celebrate the miracle of his presence. Paul wrote it clearly to the Colossians---"To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27, ESV). Wow! And, woe!
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Can I get an Amen?
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