The new school year is only two weeks away. Hopefully, the summer has been a good recharge for our kids. But you can’t be on break forever. At some point, you need to get back to work.
There is work that God expects young people to do. Sometimes, we think about going to school, paying attention to classes, and doing homework as work that our parents make us do. But the truth is that God cares about your schoolwork even more than your mom or dad.
Many of us are familiar with Colossians 3:20, where the Paul says, “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord.” God expects you to listen to and do as your parents say. But God is not just interested in you getting the work done. God cares about how you get it done.
In verses 23 and 24 of the same chapter, Paul , continues, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Paul uses an interesting word here. To do something “heartily” means to do something with all of your soul. You put your whole self into it. While mom and dad might be hoping you get an A on your next test, God is hoping that you do your absolute best.
In this chapter, Paul is giving commands for how different kinds of people are to act toward one another. He talks about husbands and wives, children and parents, and slaves and masters. Paul wants us to know that the command to work heartily is about our relationships with others. The way we approach the work that is set before us makes an impression on how people view us. If we put our all into the work we have to do at school, then people will have a positive opinion of you.
This is why God wants you to be the best student you can be. Not because he wants you to get smarter (which you will). Not because He wants you to have a chance to go to a better college (which you will). And, not because He wants you to get a great job (which you will). God wants you to be a good student because your good example can cause someone to want to become a Christian.
As young Christians, God has given you work to do—to be a light of the gospel in your school. So, you must do your best to use your time at school wisely. “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). It’s time to get back to work. You will meet new teachers and make new friends. This year, make up your mind to make your schoolwork God’s work by doing your very best.