I admit my bias here. I’m a teacher, so this post may seem like I’m writing only to affirm people like me. At the same time, I’m a teacher who teaches in a graduate-level institution that prepares people for ministry; thus, I make no claim to understand fully what public school teachers experience every day.
I do know, though, that I owe those teachers my prayers as many of them are beginning a new school year.
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Here are some reasons why:
1. They may be the most stable adults available in the lives of some students. God alone knows all that some students face at home. In their lives, a faithful teacher may be the most consistent adult around.
2. Many are trying to be a Christian witness in a lost world. They want to inspire their colleagues and their students, but they’re usually outnumbered by non-believers. They need our prayers.
3. Many are working multiple jobs to pay their bills. They work other jobs so they can still teach just because they love teaching. That vocational reality makes it more difficult for them to focus on and strengthen their work as educators.
4. Many feel a genuine call to teach. They stay in the public school system out of obligation to their calling, even when the work is hard. They seriously want to be light in the darkness. My work is in a Christian institution, but I understand that calling.
5. Teaching can be a dangerous vocation. Just think about the school shootings that have occurred over the last several years, and you get the point. I doubt any teachers went to school that day assuming their lives would be on the line.
6. Teaching can be a lonely job. That’s especially the case when your student’s parents don’t seem to care and your teaching colleagues have lost their joy.
7. Many of us can point to a teacher whose influence changed our lives. I know I can. I knew I wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten — and I had only one teacher by that point. Two other teachers in high school later reminded me why I so much wanted to teach.
I challenge you today to take these steps:
- If you are a parent or grandparent, say a prayer for the teachers of your family members.
- Pray for at least one other Christian teacher you know today.
- Send a note of prayer to a teacher.
- Challenge your church or small group to join you in these prayers for teachers.
- Pray for more Christian laborers among public school systems in your area.
Thank you, teachers. You have my respect.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was originally published by Chuck Lawless, professor and dean at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and originally published by chucklawless.com.
