Today, we will continue our series on the importance of the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of a Christian educator—goodness and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22,23).
We are assured that it is God's intent to bring about good in our lives. This reality is found in
Romans 8:28 which says,
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
God works out all things—not just isolated incidents—for our good. The task of Christian educators is to help point students to the long-term goodness that comes to those who are fitting into God's plans.
Goodness in the life of an educator is apparent when they look for ways to provide benefits for their students, rewards, extra credit, and fairness. Goodness is love in action; it is doing good to please God, without alternative motives, such as expecting to be noticed or applauded by the administrator or pastor. Moreover, if goodness is to have a lasting effect, it must be genuine and not a counterfeit substitute for the fruit of the Spirit.
The active work of the Holy Spirit in your life, when unhampered by selfishness or personal gain, produces an indisputable outflow of goodness. It is this type of goodness that needs to be modeled in your classrooms and your Christian schools.
We define faithfulness as being at the right place at the right time doing the right thing in the right way. Reliability and dependability are attributes of faithfulness. An educator can be found to be faithful by being at their assigned place of duty and not shirking responsibility. Faithfulness can be measured by how promptly phone calls are returned and by how thoroughly a weekend class retreat is planned.
Faithfulness is demonstrated by keeping your commitments to students, parents, and staff. Starting and ending class on time and taking attendance at the specified time are models for faithfulness. Calling students to attention during the morning pledge to the flag and listening to announcements are indicators of faithfulness. So are comments made in support of the school's dress codes, honor codes, and other policies and procedures. Distributing the weekly syllabus on a consistent day of the week requires faithfulness. The simple task of getting homework corrected and back when promised is proof of your faithfulness.
Doing more than just the minimum, going the extra mile, giving every assignment your best, and displaying responsibility, increase the fruit of your faithfulness. “Faithful people feel responsible for the things they do and the people they serve. They do not quit because they are tired, offended, or because there is inconvenience.” (Stewart Briscoe)
It is the faithfulness in all the little things that happen on a day-by-day basis that students and parents watch. It is through your faithfulness that students, parents, and staff establish trust and confidence in you. When your faithfulness is modeled before your students, they will be encouraged in their own faithfulness.
Regardless of your current level of faithfulness, the power of the Holy Spirit can increase your faithfulness. It is a matter of turning to God to transform you and to produce a willingness and the grace to be faithful.
As you head into your classrooms this week, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you can demonstrate goodness, and faithfulness.