October 29, 2019

I am currently teaching a Confirmation class for the 7th and 8th-grade students at St. Stephen.  This past Sunday was my first class and I will teach two more weeks. I have the pleasure of teaching on Vocation.  It was an interesting time discussing, diving into the Bible, and sharing what the vocation of a Christian is. It really isn’t too complicated but can lead to into some solid discussion from 12, 13 and 14-year-olds. God has called all of us into faith in Him.  Ephesians 4:1-3, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  Paul tells us what our calling is.

I asked the students if they had any other vocations, and many understood that school was their vocation.  When I asked how many looked to God during school, I was surprised by how few said they did. I asked if they had a Bible app on their phones and only a few responded.  One student said he had a Bible app on his phone, was honest and said he never even opens it. It was shocking. At MLA we are blessed to dive into His word on a daily basis in every class, but this is not enough.  Our children are faced with challenges that many of us as adults cannot fully comprehend. They are bombarded with information and pressures for them to do what everyone else is doing and not live the Christian Calling God has in place for them.  I challenge you, as a family, to dive into God’s word with your children daily, pray with them, and for them, set an example of what it looks like to live out your vocation of being a Christian. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”  Thank you for being a partner with us in the faith life of your children.  

Pray always, rejoice continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.