1  Peter 5:2-3   Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1  Peter 5:2-3   Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

opportunity to be an overseer of his valuable possessions (the children)?  When you see students through God’s eyes, you will never be the same teacher you were before.  Each child is precious to Him.  Every student is a unique individual. Valuable potential is tucked inside; and God rejoices over each child with joy (Zephaniah 3:17).

            Think of yourself as the jeweler assigned to shape precious diamonds–diamonds still in the rough, but destined to become the property of royalty. Each negative trait observed in the classroom is a positive trait not yet under the control of the Holy Spirit. A talker may be a future spokesperson, pastor, or teacher for the Kingdom of God. The student, who always wants to know why, may become an inventor, a teacher, or a prophet who proclaims truth to the nations. The meticulous, slower working child may become a financial manager, a designer or creator of new ideas or gadgets. The wiggly student may be the untiring evangelist that carries the Word of God across the nations, missionary, business owner, or chairman of the church property maintenance committee. The overly sensitive student may be a future caregiver or counselor in your community. The class clown may be an entertainer, a youth pastor, or an encourager in the body of Christ.  As you work with your students this year, you may catch a dull sparkle of something great to come. Teachers must not stifle these natural traits, but rather train them (shape them) in the way that they should go (Proverbs 22:6). All of these traits can be positive strengths used for good and not bad. Help your students to discover these truths.

            Through instruction and demonstration, you can lead your little flock closer to becoming the diamonds they were designed to be. Unconditional love, consistent training, and regular encouragement can polish rough edges quickly, and you will begin to see glimpses of light sparkling through the “diamond in the making.”

Dear God, Open my eyes and let me see your gifts in my students. Give me wisdom and direction for training each individual in the “path that they should go.” Teach me to unselfishly and consistently train my students for your glory.