Read: 1 Peter 1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

​We begin each school year with goals and action plans in mind. As we settle into the routine of the school year, however, we can often face opposition to our goals and obstacles in the paths of our action steps. When this happens, taking time to focus in on the original mission can help to reframe our perspective and refresh our minds along the journey.

With regard to the Christian goal of salvation, Peter wrote, "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you.... Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Peter 1:10-12). That the prophets understood they were serving us rather than themselves as they sought the coming of Christ is inspiring. Peter continued to write "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9), which emphasizes our parallel goal to that of the prophets, which is that we should also serve others coming up after us just as the prophets served us.

As educators, we are serving our students and communities, not ourselves. As Christians, we are serving as examples of Christ's compassion and of lives lived for Christ to help draw others to experience God's grace in their own lives. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). No matter which obstacles we face in the day-to-day realities of life, with these big picture goals in mind, we can remember that the daily grind is worth it as part of a productive struggle as we seek to fulfill our broader goals in this life as well as our broadest goal, which is guarded for us in Heaven by the grace of God.

PRAYER: Lord God, thank you for preparing a way for us to reach you through our salvation. Thank you for preparing a way for us to learn of your grace by means of the hearts and minds of men and women who have deliberately shared your Word with us. Please guide us to live and work with your will and mission at the forefront of our minds. We honor you and seek the joy and peace that faith in your son brings to us. We serve you, praise you, and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.