Tis the season for back-to-school sales and the start-up of sports practices! In just a few weeks (or days), many of you will walk the halls of an educational institution. Whether that instills in you a load of excitement or anxiety, I’d like to help you start your school year off on the right foot with this Back-to-School Guide for Christian Teens.
If you’re reading this after the semester has already begun, no problem. The reminders in this post apply year-round.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
How to Spiritually Prepare For the School Year
1) Keep your focus on the center of all things. (Hint: It isn’t you.)
The discovery that the sun does not revolve around the Earth was staggering in its time. Imagine believing you occupy the center of the universe only to find you sit in the passenger seat.
Crazy, right?
Here’s something else that might strike you as crazy and staggering: You are not the main character of your story.
Yikes. I’m pretty sure 99.99% of us—including Yajnavalkya, Aristarchus, and Copernicus (the fellows who first voiced a sun-centered theory)—got that backward. In fact, only one human got it right: Jesus. Because he is the center of your story.
See what the Bible says:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Luke 13:34
I bring this up not to give you a lesson about the fallibility of great scientists, but because when one is about to embark on a journey (such as another year of high school), he needs to know who’s playing the lead role.
In all things, keep your focus on Jesus.
2) Be set apart.
Being a teen requires daily striking a delicate balance between being known and not standing out too much. On the one hand, you want to be independent and respected amongst your peers. On the other hand, you don’t want to draw too much attention, especially for the wrong things.
It’s a tricky balance.
Jesus gives you permission to stand out, however. In fact he commands it:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Your job as a Christian is not to draw attention to yourself, but to act as the spotlight for the main character: Jesus. You can’t do that if you’re trying too hard to blend in. Your life should give others a glimpse of God’s glory.
Practically speaking, how do you do that? Your language is a good place to start. Keep it kind, clean, and respectful, and people will notice. Your conduct also speaks volumes, whether it be in the classroom, the cafeteria, or at a friend’s sleepover. Acting with integrity (such as not cheating at school or on the field) makes a person stand out.
You were made to stand out! You have something of extraordinary value, namely adoption as God’s own child. Share it. Let it be seen so others may have it, too. When you stay true to God’s word, you glorify him. So be holy, because he is holy!
Related: Happiness & Holiness: Aim High and Go For Both
3) It’s okay if you mess up.
The pressure to perform is immense during the high school years. You want good grades so you can graduate with honors, win that scholarship, and have your pick of respected colleges. And speaking of colleges, they like to see a lengthy resume of extracurriculars and community service, right? Your list of obligations is immense. Plus, you’re hoping to lead your team to state in basketball or track.
You are not the main character of your story. Jesus is.
Pressure, pressure, pressure.
This is where I’ll remind you once again, you are not the main character. Recognizing that should remove some of the pressure because what you accomplish is all for him. The main character was perfect so you don’t have to be. You’re free to just be who you are. God looks on you with grace for all your imperfections, so I think it’s safe to say you can do the same for yourself.
Keep your focus on Jesus—the lead character—and all other things will fade in importance. See my post Focus on Eternity: “Stuff” Isn’t the Only Thing You Can’t Take to Heaven.
Related: How Do I Know If I Am Acceptable to God?
4) Remember why you’re there—the big picture.
What is the main purpose of high school? To fill your mind with earthly knowledge? Work toward independence? Land at the top of your class? Have a good time? Find a boyfriend? Is it just a stepping stone to adulthood and then freedom?
As with most things in life, if you don’t know why you’re there, it’s hard to stay focused.
The main purpose of high school is to grow stronger in Jesus.
Try this on for size: The main purpose of high school is to grow stronger in Jesus. High school is when you decide which side of the fence you will walk on, and I pray you choose the side of faith. The high school years are God’s gift to you, a chance to test your faith while still under the protection of familiarity. Work your faith muscles and make them stronger. If that’s all you accomplish during the four years you spend in high school, you have come out ahead of most.
5) Keep your chin up and your eyes on the horizon!
Relax, high school is only four years long. I know it seems like an eternity when you’re in the throes of it, but keep your eyes on Jesus and watch him lead you to higher ground.
Appendix to the Back-to-School Guide For Christian Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Good advice for all the young people going back to high school as the Summer season begins to draw to a close.
May Jesus guide them through their next four years and always. ??♥️✝️
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