Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence, and if there is anything praiseworthy-dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 CSB
We are told in the Bible that we are going to have trouble here on Earth. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have to suffer in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
School starts back this week and with it will come good and bad as with most things in life. One thing we hear a lot about these days is bullying. I have children in children’s church who say they are bullied in school. Other kids pick on them because of the way they look or the way they talk or even their Christianity.
I have gorgeous nieces, and I’m not just being biased here. The oldest suffered bullying all through school and is now in college. The youngest just started experiencing these problems last year. It is heartbreaking to watch a child go through this, but I think we all experience it at some time in our lives.
We may experience bullying in the workplace as adults. I have a friend who told me her daughter is not wanting to go to high school because of all the bullying she experienced in junior high last year.
We are told in 2 Timothy 3:1-6 that people will be evil in these end times, and we are seeing this being lived out right before our very eyes. What are we to do about these people? Well, we are told to avoid them. But what if we have to go to school with them or work with them?
Our Scripture passage tells us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and having moral excellence. There is only One who meets all these criteria, and this is our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are to focus on Him. If you have bought your children notebooks and backpacks and clothes and shoes to begin the new school year, this is good, but have you prepared them spiritually?
Do you spend time each day instilling the importance of Bible study with a devotion and praying with them? I experienced bullying for a brief period when I was in 4th or 5th grade. I recall these three girls who would always show up when I was standing by myself and picking on me. They would say means things. While I found it somewhat upsetting, it didn’t ruin my day. I ignored them and they found someone else to pick on before long.
My mom had me in church every time the doors were open. I did daily devotional time and prayer. She taught me to focus on Jesus. Teach your children to focus on Jesus. Most importantly set that example for them. Show them what it looks like to focus on Christ and trust in Him for protection and deliverance from the evil behavior of others.
We are all faced with bullies in our lives from time to time. We all face difficult circumstances. Life is a series of trials and tribulations, ups and downs. The only way to conquer the troubles we face is through Christ. I encourage you to read all of Philippians chapter 4. But I especially want you to understand verses 6-7 which says not to worry about anything but through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
In verses 11-13, Paul speaks of how to be content and says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul lists the armor of God and reminds us that we must daily suit up as we face many battles in this world.
Before you load their backpacks with pencils and paper and all the other supplies, load their hearts with a love for Jesus Christ. Teach them to focus on Him.
If you want your child properly equipped to deal with whatever this life will throw at them, teach them the importance of focusing on Christ and show them how it’s done.
Have a great day!