Purpose Driven Classroom

The purpose of this blog is to encourage Christian Educators to recognize their high calling as a teacher. We will be studying the Book of Esther for the next few months. Join us for this ten part study and don't forget to comment on how you think this applies to the classroom. May God help you to see your purpose for Him as a missionary in our schools in America.

The Book of Esther - Part 4 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 3



In Chapter 3, the life and death issue of the annihilation of the Jews arises. The second in command, Haman had accumulated great wealth and position. Haman had it all. His wealth, his subjects, his children and his enormous mansion meant nothing to him as long as the Jew named Mordecai would not bow down to him. Mordecai, Esther’s, uncle/father, refused to bow to him and stood alone in his stand. As a Jew, he knew he could bow to none other than God Himself.  At great cost, Mordecai disobeyed the king’s command.  This opened a door for the Haman’s outrage. Not only did he want to see Mordeaci punished, but all of his people.  Haman convinced the king that ridding the kingdom of the Jewish people would be advantageous.  A date for annihilation was set and the edit made law.  The last line of the chapter states, “The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.”  A bit outrageous, wouldn’t you say?


I have never seen or heard for anything so outrageous as the detestable hatred of Haman toward Mordecai and his people in any school, but I have definitely known teachers to have to take a stand for something they believe it against the mainstream of opinion. How do we handle ourselves as Christian educators when our beliefs are compromised or at least in question? We pray.  Please don’t think that is a contrite answer.  Prayer is the foundation of all our moves, all our plans and all our ways. When we pray, we are asking God to take on our burdens. We are casting our cares on Him because they are usually much bigger than us.  What happens if you are asked to do something that violates your conscience or you are convicted that it is wrong? Let the Holy Spirit convict you.  Be honest with your offendernand deal directly with them.  Avoid bringing a crowd into the issue.  Our charge as Christians is to follow Matthew 18:15-17 -"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”   This applies at school also.  Go to the one who puts you in this compromising position first.  Pray for their heart to be softened and their ears to listen.  If you solve, it at this step, you have not only gained a brother, you have stopped the issue from escalating and become a problem for the whole campus.  If no resolution can be made, ask two or three colleagues that you trust and who will be confident to be present with you as you try to resolve the issue again with the offender.  If this step doesn’t work, go to your administrator (or their administrator, if they are the problem).  If it is still not solved, you may be alone in your stand like Mordecai, but it may be a critical  issue that you have been purposed for.  Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove, always acting and reacting with love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control and faithfulness.  Against these there is no law.


May God give you the strength to live the life of a Christian in an increasingly secular educational system and be the Mordecai of your time.



Please read Chapter 4 for next week! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 07:49 | link | comments (4)

The Book of Esther - Part 3 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 2


The king is feeling bad that he got rid of Queen Vashti, but his counselors come up with an idea to bring in the most beautiful virgins from across the kingdom in order that they may be trained and prepared to become the new queen.  Esther, daughter/cousin of Mordecai, was one of the young virgins brought to the palace, given beauty treatments and brought before the king.  I am particularly taken by the simplicity of Esther’s ways.  She is not needy, but obedient and gracious.  Although it may sound like it was a great setting to be in the palace and have perfume treatments and lavish experiences, Esther was nonetheless taken from her homeland and placed in a position she had not volunteered for.  That is why I believe that her graciousness and obedience was so attractive to others and ultimately to the king.  She was brought up by Mordecai to be obedient and to fear God.  Even though Esther was a beautiful girl (lovely in form and features) she found favor because of God in her.  The king chose Esther to become queen, threw a great banquet and gave her audience when she told of a plot to assassinate him.


None of us as teachers have ever experienced being place in the palace of a king against our wills, but often we are placed in positions that we have not asked for.  This may include being transferred to another school, given a subject to teach that is not necessarily our passion, having to cover for someone else who is not as faithful or even finding ourselves privy to information that we probably should not know. How do we react as Christian educators?  We pray. And when we pray, we are comforted by the understanding that we are not alone.  Teaching is one of the most isolated professions in the world.  Even though we are with our students all day long, we can go hours without adult conversation.  Many teachers find themselves isolated in their classrooms by location or sometimes by unfriendly forces on their campus. Whatever the situation, remember, we are not alone. As Christians, we have the very power of God with us all the time. Jesus told us the he would never leave us, nor would He forsake us. This is real.  When you are feeling like you are the only one with a certain issue or the only one in your building, pray and ask for someone to come alone side you in fellowship.  Ask God to help you to form community and to collaborate with others.  Start a prayer group before or after school.  A simple announcement/invitation posted in the teacher’s lounge will stir the hearts of other Christians on your campus. Even if they are unable to come and pray with you, the bonding of our Christian hearts is power on a campus like no other.  I find it so amazing, that one every campus there is the same reaction.  Teachers that you didn’t even know were Christians are now suddenly hugging each other and sharing the love of Christ with a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. 


I would like to encourage you to take a leap of faith, post an invitation to prayer in your room after school one day next week.  Pray for wisdom and grace as you begin to see the power of God move on your campus. Be sure and share what is happening at your school.  Be like Esther - gracious, obedient and be an attractive Christian with a fragrance that will give honor and glory to the One we serve. May you find favor because of God in you.


Isa. 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Hebs. 13:5 - Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.


Please read Chapter 3 for next week! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

by: seddonk at 07:30 | link | comments (3)