Day 6 - Intentional Goodness in the Classroom

Holy Week began yesterday with Palm Sunday. Today is called Holy Monday. Have you been watching “The Bible” on the History Channel? It’s so amazing to see the directors attempt to visualize the stories of Jesus. Sometimes I wish I could have lived then just to see Him in action. This is Easter break for most students and teachers, so for the last six days of Intentional Goodness in the Classroom while we have a little extra time, we will look at larger, long-term changes in our classrooms to be more Jesus-like in our walk.

A verse to ponder

John 12: 1-11

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,  “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.  “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

An intentional blessing for the classroom  

Jesus came to serve. Do our students understand serving others? Is it important to help them see the bigger picture of life?  Service learning is the best way to help children and adults understand the world around them. Look for a global or local project to support with your class. Sign up to be actively involved. Some of the best memories of school are when we help others. When students of all ages can see that there are others in much greater need than themselves and that they can play a part in helping, we open up the world of service to them. There is no telling whom we will inspire on to greater acts of service.

A focus of reflection

Is it legal to promote service in the classroom? Of course! Some of the greatest teachers are those who lift their students’ hearts and minds beyond the classroom walls. Our recent district Teacher of the Year has been most inspirational because she always has her high school students become part of a cause. Some have included monetary acts of fund-raising to support a bead program in Africa where girls learn to make their own money by producing jewelry. Other programs have included building wells and raising cattle. Let us help our students have a heart for the poor.

Day 7

(Giving a little time and/or gifts to our widows.) 

As always, I am
Prayerfully dependent,

K

Karen C. Seddon
CEAI, State Director, Florida
kseddon@ceai.org

Note: To more fully understand the 16-9 Movement, please read the first blog entry by  clicking here.

Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) is the only professional association in the United States specifically for Christian educators in public schools.  CEAI protects our members first in prayer, next with excellent professional liability insurance and other benefits while helping them live out their high calling as a Christian in the public school.