Respect for Teachers as Christian Students
There is no question that being educated in the secular educational system is a challenge today for any Christian young man or woman. Many of have opted out of the public schools and chosen rather to home school. Such an option is preferable when adequate resources and parental involvement are available. However, many, for one reason or another, simply do not have this option and children must be placed into the public schools.
In public school one will be faced with a variety of temptations both socially and educationally. Friends who are not expected to live according to Christian standards of behavior will be poor examples. Teachers who have been indoctrinated by scientism and the notion that man is just another animal pose special challenges to students who correctly understand to be created in the image of God. How are Christian students to behave in such an environment and particularly toward their teachers?
While the challenges are great, the rewards of being a faithful Christian in such an environment can be ever greater. One may very well bring a lost soul to Christ by so correctly behaving; perhaps even a teacher can be converted in this way. Christian youth must focus upon living the kind of life that Christ desires us to live and being a positive example toward those around them. Christians are called to transform a world that is steeped in darkness by the light of the gospel, the good message for those who are trapped in sin. In harmony with God’s desire for us not to go out of the world (1 Corinthians 5:10), but to be a strong influence for good on the world, Christian youth must be engaged in overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21)!
The Christian student’s opportunities to so overcoming evil in the world around him begin with his attitudes toward his teachers. While we may disagree with some of the things that our teachers tell us, we can at least demonstrate an attitude of respect toward their position of authority. God wants us to be subject to authorities whether those in authority are behaving in a godly way or not (1 Timothy 2:2). In fact, biblical condemnation is pronounced upon those who despise authority (Jude 8). Christians are individuals who conduct themselves lawfully regardless what setting. We are always under a greater Authority than an earthly one.
Subsequently, respecting a teacher in school begins with one’s attitude toward God. Students who show proper respect toward God will know how to properly respect their teachers. This involves understanding the concepts of obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9), proper use of the tongue (James 3:1-12), Christian sobriety (1 Timothy 2:6), positive thinking (Philippians 4:8), a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12), and many other attitudes that the Christian employs to be faithful to the Lord and thereby a positive and productive member of society.
Students will want to obey instructions of teachers regarding homework assignments if they wish to receive good grades. Appropriately addressing the teacher with a respectful tongue will prevent one from meriting a trip to the principal’s office. Thinking soberly about one’s attitude will cause the Christian student not to act rashly for the sake of popularity or to fulfill a “dare.” Positive thinking will enable the Christian student to perform well on quizzes and exams and a willing mind will aid the student in accomplishing whatever daily tasks are assigned to him in an expeditious manner. Each of these traits are principles of Christian living that students must employ to maintain a respectful attitude toward the teacher at school. Adopting these attitudes will aid the student in being successful not only in his school work, but in life as well. May God bless each of our students and may each one consider their lives in service to the Master above all other temporal concerns.