Dear Truro family,
This past week I was able to spend some time with the wonderful teachers and staff of Truro Preschool and Kindergarten as they prepare for a new school year, and I shared some thoughts on seven ways teachers proclaim the gospel to kids. I offer these below for any teachers, educators, administrators, or caretakers who may be able to use some encouragement that your labor in the Lord is not in vain! Be reminded that you proclaim the gospel in these simple yet beautiful ways:
- By loving them first: Before they love you back, with the same initiating love God showed you (1 John 4:19).
- By calling them by name: Echoing the voice of the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name (John 10:3).
- By raising them up out of the mess of their sin. Loving them just as they are, but loving them too much to leave them there (1 Peter 2:9–10).
- By always forgiving them: Rehearsing God’s forgiveness toward us in your classroom every day (1 John 1:8–9).
- By laying down your life for them: Willingly laying down your time, sleep, and energy, echoing Jesus’ own words that no one takes his life from him, he lays it down (John 15:12–13).
- By being consistently there for them: A steady presence of peace in a chaotic world, just as Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
- By showering them with unmerited grace, something this world’s merit-based systems will never give them (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Blessed are the educators – for yours is a gospel ministry!
Jamie