"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

My wife posed a question to me the other night. I thought I was going to hear a great joke; instead, my wife repeated the same question our four-year-old daughter asked after singing "This Little Light of Mine." God spoke to my heart that night as I pondered her question: "Why does the devil blow out birthday candles?"

Do you remember when you were saved? Do you remember the passion you had for your faith when you first accepted Christ into your life? More than likely, you were ready to tell everyone about Christ, you were filled with a fire that could not be quenched, and you were prepared to serve in any capacity you could. As time moved on, however, the fire you once had no longer glowed with the same brightness and heat.

As you begin a new school year, ask yourself these very important questions: "Has Satan blown out your spiritual candle? Are you going through the motions, or is there a real passion for your students? Are you spending time in the Word each day, or are you relying on your own strength?" 1 Corinthians 10:12 says, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." A "Christian" life lived outside the power of Christ is merely a return to religion. What Christ desires with His children is a personal relationship with Him that is constantly growing.

Matthew 5:14 says, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." How great is the calling to serve our heavenly Father as Christian school teachers! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all would truly sing and believe the song we learned as a child?

This little light of mine
I'm gonna' let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna' let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine

Hide it under a bushel, NO
I'm gonna' let it shine
Hide it under a bushel, NO
I'm gonna' let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine

Don't let Satan blow it out
I'm gonna' let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out
I'm gonna' let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine

Let your light shine this year and point your students toward Christ!

Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to shine for You. Help me to remember to show your light to the world with my actions every day as a Christian educator. Give me strength and teach me to rely on You. Keep my passion and flame burning for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.