I do not think there is a Christian educator who at one time or another has asked themselves the question, “Why am I here?” I would venture to conclude that this question has been asked more than once - maybe fifty or five hundred times, especially during this time of the year when schools are working on staffing commitments for the coming school year.
The question is not a general question of “Why am I here on earth?” Rather, it is one of “Why am I doing what I’m doing at this school?” Whether we are a teacher, administrator, or support staff, this is a fundamental question being pondered. Answers to this question are magnified when we consider the following concerns:
Working long hours, then going to church services, student activities, coming in on weekends to catch up, straighten up and plan;
Putting up with students who do not want to learn after investing hours in planning;
Dealing with parents who are angry, troubled, afraid, and do not seem to understand or care;
Performing extra duties or extra jobs and receiving no or little recognition or compensation; and,
Not being appreciated.
The Answer
Consider 2 Tim. 1-9: “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
Each of us in the profession of teaching, administration, or support has a specific call to be at a particular school. We are there because of the divine will of God. There could be other places we could be at, doing other things. Why are we doing what we are doing – here at this school? It is because we have been called with a holy calling, not according to our own works (desires, ambitions, capabilities, training, or performance) but according to His own purpose and grace
His Calling
It is the deep conviction of His calling that keeps us doing what we are doing and allows our commitment to our school to take on meaning and purpose. When we acknowledge His purpose for our life, we realize that working long hours, dealing with students and parents, going the extra mile, spending hours in preparation become fulfilling and everything we have need of, begins to appear in our life. When we are walking in God’s purpose of being at this school, life is easier—full of peace, joy, and contentment.
The devil is out to discourage us so we get our mind and heart off God’s call and our commitment of service, just as he did with Adam and Eve. The attempt is to cause us to question God’s call through situations, circumstances, or opportunities we face.
What should we do?
Consider the following four actions:
Hold Fast. Hold fast to your confession of faith in God’s calling and expect the circumstances to line up with God’s calling and direction.
Expect the Best. If you are not walking in God’s best, you need to evaluate where you are on those things that prevent you from receiving God’s best.
Draw Near to Him. He wants you to draw near to Him - to love Him with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and He wants you to love your neighbor as He loves you. This will promote satisfaction in His calling.
Draw Upon His Grace. God’s grace is the divine power that equips you to do His will.
Walkout His Calling. Being sensitive to the voice of the Spirit of God and then being obedient to His voice will cause you to walk out God’s will for your life. As you stay in the center of His will, you will find His grace to empower you to do His will.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)