Have you ever considered the vast amount of information you could teach your students? From history and computers to science and mechanics, the list of interesting topics and subjects you teach is mind-boggling. Although the Internet simplifies the accessing of this information, the human mind must still process and apply the information to make it pertinent and applicable to life. So how does a teacher determine what information is important and necessary for their students' education? Where do you even start?

Most teachers trust in the wisdom of past educators when teaching their classes. Relying on curricula written by men and women trained in the educational process, we provide our young learners with the basic learning tools necessary to acquire knowledge - reading, writing, and arithmetic. Once these foundational subjects are mastered with a degree of proficiency, a student has the ability to move on and acquire unlimited knowledge in other subject areas. Like a tradesperson working with the right tools, a student has the potential to learn the information necessary to achieve a productive and successful life.

As Christians, we also have a vast number of spiritual lessons which can be learned. However, just as a young child must first learn the fundamental subjects for a solid educational foundation, we must also learn foundational spiritual truths before we acquire a dynamic walk with God. Gleaning wisdom from the lives of Christians throughout history (Romans 15:4), we understand that the basic tools of building a solid relationship with Christ are prayer, obedience, and a knowledge of God's Word. As we use these tools to lead us to a deeper understanding of God, we can watch Christ create something beautiful in our life and our students' lives with the Holy Spirit's power.

Where are you in your spiritual studies? Are you using the spiritual tools that God has given to lead you into a stronger relationship with the Lord? If not, chances are that you may want to sign up for a long overdue refresher course in the basics. "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:14-15).

What have you done today to build your relationship with the Lord? How do you help your students sift through information and focus on what's important?