Confirming evidence of this fruit is the absence of conflict, freedom from anxiety, and being uptight. Teachers who walk in peace tend to be those who have a well-organized classroom (a place for everything and everything in its place), have established strong routines, and have students who behave in an orderly and polite manner.
Teachers and administrators will have plenty of opportunities to experience problems, unrest, pressure, turmoil, strain, and worry; all of which are robbers of peace brought on by attacks from the devil upon the mind. Those who do not allow the peace of God to guard their hearts and minds will face tensions, headaches, high blood pressure, and ulcers.
It is possible to be exposed to these attacks yet maintain a calm, tranquil kind of spirit that flows from the inner man. Paul writes to the Colossians, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Billy Graham offers these words of encouragement,
“When you and I yield to worry, we deny our Guide the right to lead us in confidence and peace. Only the Holy Spirit can give us peace in the midst of the storms of restlessness and despair. We should not grieve our Guide by indulging in worry or paying undue attention to self”.
To have peace and retain peace we must practice peace. Hebrews 12:14 instructs believers to “Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord” (AMP).
Peace comes as we cast all our care upon God. Paul writes,
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully (1 Peter 5:6,7 AMP).
Peace comes to those who obey the Word of God. Psalm 119 tells us that we will experience great peace as we love His Word and live by God's principles contained in His Word. We read in Proverbs 3:5,6 these words, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Peace comes to those who trust Him completely and realize that God has everything under control and is working out His plan for their life daily. Paul experienced this peace. It comes as we ask for it.
Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7).
Peace in the classroom is also a byproduct of teacher preparation. Students know when teachers are prepared to teach. Being prepared fosters student confidence in the teacher and leads to a greater level of trust and peace. If a teacher is not prepared to teach, how can the student be expected to learn? The teacher needs to know their material and how they will teach it in the best way.
Paramount to having a peaceful classroom is having a set of clearly stated rules, expectations, and responsibilities for students. Peace flows when the teacher communicates a clear set of classroom rules and the students know what the consequences will be if they do not follow them. Included in these clear rules are daily routines that students understand and follow.
Students need to be able to observe the peace of God ruling in the life of their teachers and administrators.
The more students see peace being modeled in the classroom and the school, the more they will desire the same level of peace. As you speak peace over your classroom and into the lives of your students, they will discover peace permeating their minds, emotions, body, and relationships. Where there is true peace, there will be no classroom turmoil.