Sadly, a teacher's passion to teach his students sometimes begins to fade. The daily demands of caring for a household and the intense effort required in teaching a classroom drains even the most dedicated educator. When the fire begins to die out, many may choose a half-hearted approach or adapt a martyr, make-it-through-the-day mentality. Others may stop teaching altogether and choose to pursue a different career. The wise teacher, however, will see the coals growing dim and find the fuel necessary to rekindle the flame of passion first given by God. Yet, how does one go about finding that fuel?

To reignite the vision of providing an education, the best thing a worn-out teacher can do is ask the Holy Spirit to come and control him anew. As a teacher deals with his own personal walk before the Lord, the time spent in self-examination and repentance will show areas in his character that need strengthening. Prideful attitudes are adjusted, and total dependence on God's guidance is reestablished, allowing Him the right to reign over the entire teaching process. Most of all, the Holy Spirit is able to clearly reveal Satan's discouragement and remind us what was happening when the passion was last burning brightly.

Have trials and discouragement stolen your first love of teaching? The fiery conviction you once felt for sharing education will die if you don't find the right fuel source to keep it on fire. Stay faithful to the call God has given and let the Holy Spirit lead and strengthen you today. As you read your Bible, memorize God's Word, and pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom, you'll be amazed as God provides everything you need to keep the home fires burning! "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them" (1 Timothy 4:15-16a).

How do you keep your fire burning as a Christian school teacher? Share ideas on how you fan the flame with other teachers!