September 1, 2010
Pastor Bob Hammond

Praise God for a busy and productive summer. It's hard to believe that it's back-to-school time already! This week, please encourage our young people to understand how they can honor Christ through their school work.

Let's encourage our young people to embrace learning as preparation to serve Christ more fully. When schoolwork is approached as training to serve your savior, an entirely different level of motivation is possible.

2 Timothy 2:15 is the verse that we most often use to encourage study: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." However, this verse would seem to apply primarily to the study of Scripture. What about English, history, math and the natural sciences? Is it important for a Christian student to master these subjects, too? Yes! Our students need to understand that their academic development is directly linked to their preparation to fully serve Christ.

A student who fails to master the parts-of-speech in English class will struggle to develop a full understanding of Scripture. Similarly, a student who fails to develop a strong understanding of world history cannot fully comprehend Bible history - or current events. And a student who fails to glimpse the beauty present in both mathematics and the design of the natural world misses the opportunity to appreciate the mind of Christ.

Parents - please don't miss the opportunity to encourage your students to embrace their schoolwork as part of their preparation to serve Christ!