Make your classroom "Divine"

Frank Laubach (1884-1970) was a missionary to Philippines in the early 1900s. He is forever associated with the instructional approach called "Each One Teach One,"which is credited to enabling over 100 million people to read. Laubach also helped to establish ProLiteracy Worldwide, an organization focused on addressing adult illiteracy across the globe.

In his tiny book titled, Letters by a Modern Mystic (published by Purposeful Design), he said the following:

In a school a teacher lays out work for his pupils. I resolve to accept each situation of this year as God's layout for that hour, and never to lament that it is a very commonplace or disappointing task. One can pour something divine into every situation.

Teachers can easily become drowned in their work and, consequently, forget that what they do is significant. That's why teachers need encouragement and support from fellow teachers, administrators, parents, and other educators who ran the race before them.

"One can pour something divine into every situation."

In that sense, Laubach's resolution is a powerful one. We must remind ourselves that what we do matter. This isn't some pop psychology or positive thinking. No, it's speaking the truth according to God's kingdom economy.

The business of teaching students additions and subtractions, nouns and verbs, states and capitals, cells and laws of motion, etc. are worthy and noble. Teaching them to think logically and biblically will impact them for the rest of their lives. Showing them how to access and process information will empower them to navigate through the labyrinth of information age. Encouraging them to not give up will elevate them to the next level. All in all, the seemingly tedious and mundane task of teaching is a really, really significant endeavor.

As Christian school educators, we ought to invite the presence of God in our classrooms. We can, indeed, "pour something divine" into our everyday instruction. Based on what we do perhaps a student will not give up on learning. Perhaps a child will sense the compassion of Christ in our words and actions. Perhaps another child will make the decision to follow Jesus. Perhaps a career decision will be made. Yes, every moment in the classroom can be truly divine, truly providential.

Choose to see your work as what it is--meaningful, impactful, and life altering ministry. Refuse to view your work as mundane and insignificant. Make your classroom "divine" each and every hour by inviting God into all that you do.