Leading by example in Education
Today’s blog post has been written by Becky Floy. She has many years of experience as a teacher in primary schools, as well as having been involved with church based children’s work. She is a member of the Leadership Team at Jubilee and is involved in the oversight of Jubilee Kids.
As believers, we are all called to lead and influence others by the way we live our lives as followers of Jesus. The Message version of Romans 12:2 says, ‘Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.’ We belong to God’s kingdom, which means we get to bring the culture of heaven into every area of life He’s connected us to.
God’s Kingdom in the Classroom
I have the immense privilege of teaching primary aged children. As I lead them in their learning, I get to see them grow and make progress in their potential across the curriculum, as they become competent readers, writers, mathematicians, historians or artists!
The classroom is a place for learning new knowledge and skills, but it is also a place that I can partner with God to create a culture where His presence is released.
This looks like demonstrating God’s love and acceptance to each child by showing kindness, patience and belief in them. It means helping them to learn how to make choices that put other people first and making sure everyone feels included and celebrated.
When conflicts arise, it means they are addressed fairly, and children are encouraged to be honest, kind and forgiving toward one another. It looks like creating a culture where hope thrives, and children feel believed in and that their voice is important and makes a difference.
Speaking Life
The bible highlights the immense power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, ‘The tongue has the power of life and death’. The words we speak can shape our reality and change the atmosphere around us.
As I lead in the education setting God has placed me in, I can choose to use words that build up, encourage and reflect God’s truth. I can look for ways to speak life over each child, as I call out what is unique and special about them, and seek to create a calm, encouraging atmosphere.
God’s Kingdom in the Corridors
Schools are very busy places and working within the education system can be incredibly pressured at times. It is easy to get lost in workload, deadlines and other challenges. But influencing culture for God’s Kingdom means prioritising His presence and looking for ways to follow Jesus’ example of serving others in all interactions within the school community.
It might be as simple as stopping in the corridor to talk to a colleague who looks like they need some encouragement. It could look like refusing to join in with gossip or negative talk. It could be sharing resources for the benefit of others or even offering to pray for someone.
Wherever God has placed us, we are called to be people who lead by example and influence the culture around us so that people experience something of God’s presence and kingdom.
What could that look like for you today?
