Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Sometimes you have “just had it.” Your patience wears thin with students who test the boundaries. Students want to know whether you will stand firm or collapse under the pressure of their misbehavior. Classroom rules are essential. If you fail to enforce the rules, you will lose more than a battle; you will lose the students’ respect. You cannot afford to give up or give in.  Students are more secure when the teacher enforces boundaries.

                God is our refuge during these stressful times. Since deep meditation and prayer are not possible, you must depend on the constant abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. A silent, inward cry for help brings the heavens to stand alert. Ask God for help. Do not rely on your own stamina and abilities. God’s supernatural wisdom and strength are available to you in an instant. Just ask.

Be slow to speak! Allow yourself time to think before saying or doing anything. Lectures do not work on repeated offenses! Have a plan of action before the conflict. Follow the plan. (Stress often indicates that you have not followed the discipline plan consistently.) You are in charge. Anger is unnecessary! Anger belittles your position and causes you to lose your students’ respect. Love the child–correct the behavior. The behavior is not the child; the misbehavior is his childishness! Foolishness is found in the heart of a child, but correction helps set him on the right path again. (Proverbs. 22:15)

                Seasoning our words with grace and salt (love and firmness) will eventually help students to understand that you are working “for” them and not against them. Consistent training in self-control will teach students respect and obedience. Most misbehavior will gradually fade with loving correction. Be loving and firm with a serving and caring attitude. Without grace and love, your students may perceive your firmness as a personal attack. 

Dear God,  I want to control my tongue when students push me too far. When I have to be salt to cleanse the behavior of my students, let it always be for their good and not because I am angry or irritated at them.