As I’ve said before, we live across the street from an elementary school. As I was working in my office at home the other day, I saw all the little kids as they began a new school year.

Being an elementary school I saw there were some kids who were attending school for the very first time. As I watched their parents drop them off at school, some of those first timers well not doing so well leaving mommy and daddy.

Looking back to when I had to begin going to school, I remember how much I hated to leave my mom and home and go to school. I fought going to school for a long time, but school and my parents eventually won that battle

Once I realized I would have to attend school, I began to see how much fun school was. There were other kids to play with and the teacher seemed like a very nice lady. Recess was my best class and taking naps was also very fun.

As I began to move up in grade, school became more than recess and taking naps, coloring and all that fun stuff. There were tests, bullies, getting passing grades, discovering girls were more than people you played foursquare/hopscotch with and so much more.

Chuck Berry put out a song back in 1957 (you know, back in the dinosaur days) called School Days. The first verses says: “Up in  the morning and out to school – The teacher is teaching the Golden Rule – American History and practical math – You study them hard and hoping to pass – Working your finger right down to the bone – And the guy behind you won’t leave you alone. Ring Ring goes the bell”  

School today has drastically changed from what it was back in those days. Going to school back then, though we first thought it would not be fun, soon became something you looked forward doing every Fall. Today school is associated with kids being shot and killed, fights, racism, learning about sex and all the new pronouns kids have to learn today and so much more.  

Back in my early school days, I discovered I loved learning and meeting others kids. If I always stayed at home, holding on to my mothers’ apron, I would have never grown up, though I still have a lot of growing up yet to do.

Jesus says in Matt. 11:29-30 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”   (emphasis added)

Learning everything Jesus desires to teach us as His followers takes a lifetime and we won’t graduate until our life is over and we stand before the Lord

Sadly, I find too many Christians have quit going to school; going to church and learning from the Lord. They skip attending church in favor of so many other things. They stop reading their Bible or attending some Bible study with other believers, learning what the Word of God says. Learning how to get along with other Christians is not on their minds

When Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha, Martha was busy trying to make sure everything was just right for Jesus. The enchiladas were made, the tortillas were still hot, the refried beans were ready and so much more (Sorry but that’s what my mom would have been doing)

Martha became frustrated because her sister Mary decided to sit at the feet of Jesus listening to what He was saying. Martha went to Jesus so He would tell Mary to get up and help her.

Jesus gently responded by saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her”  (emphasis added)

Are you still in school with the Lord my friend or has recess and playing tetherball become a better thing for you to do? Do you still look forward to going to church and being around other believers?

“Ring, ring goes the bell!” It may be time my friend to heed the spiritual bell and get back in class. There’s still so much more the Lord desires to teach you!!