I am honestly so thankful for the teachers I had throughout my elementary, junior high, and high school years. With each teacher, I was challenged in a different way. Did I like it at the time? Not always. Did I always see eye to eye with every teacher I had? Absolutely NOT!
But throughout my school years, and especially as I got older, I learned the importance of submitting to authority. There were definitely some times when I felt a teacher was being unfair, and then there were some times when I felt a teacher wasn’t teaching. In both cases, I had to learn that it is THEIR classroom, not mine. They were given this job for a reason, and they were there to help me become the best student I could be. Romans 13:1 says, “…for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
I didn’t always agree with a teacher when they assigned a paper on a Monday that was due on a Friday. I threw many tantrums in those instances, I assure you. But I had to do it. School was my job at the time. Was it supposed to be number one in my life? Absolutely NOT. I would often say, “God loves me regardless of my grades.” Very true, but God also wants me to do everything with excellence. Perfection? Nope. Excellence… To the very best of my ability. Did I do that? Honestly, no. I wish that I had, though. School was where the Lord wanted me at the time. And it was my responsibility to get things done.
Part of being the best student you can be is respecting your teachers. It takes a little while at the beginning of the year to know what a teacher’s expectations are or how they like certain things done, but once you figure those things out, you should try your best to do your work in a way that would please them. By respecting them and submitting to their authority, you are honoring your Father in Heaven. And who knows, the way you act toward your teachers may show THEM or your peers the love of Jesus.
Pray with me-
God, THANK YOU for our teachers! Thank You for placing people in our lives that challenge us and want us to do our best. Lord, give us patience and compassion when our teachers do not do things how we think they should be done. Give us Your heart toward them and our school work. In the future, place teachers in our paths that will challenge us in the best way and will teach us to be loving and compassionate. Amen
~Jordan
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About Megan Smidt
I remember when my daughters were young, and how frustrated they would get with me as I was trying to teach them something; and how frustrated I would get!! Most of my frustration came from feeling inadequate when I wasn't able to teach them something. I wasn't able to see beyond the approach that I was using while teaching them, and when they didn't get it, my frustration seemed as if it were toward them; when in reality, it was toward myself.
I had a few teachers that were like that, too, when I was in school. I didn't get it then, why they seemed to upset with me all the time. Now I understand that some of that frustration may be because they are angry with themselves for not being able to figure out how to teach YOU! We each have our own way of learning things. We just have to discover what works.
But, as you said, Jordan….we may get frustrated with our teachers, and even our bosses when the time comes. But when we realize that our only job is to do the best that we can, with what we have, and for the glory of God….we're doing exactly what He expects of us.
Thanks JoJo for your heart!
yes! the right attitude, miss jordan: "…By respecting them and submitting to their authority, you are honoring your Father in Heaven…" it is God's will…His decision…that we submit to authority. how wonderful for each of you girls to be able to learn that this is what God wants, and to firm it up in your hearts and minds now! God is good to you! <3