BACK TO SCHOOL - HAVING IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS
“Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it ”
“But as He which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation”
(Prov 22:6|NLT; 1 Pet 1:15|KJV)
Hello folks! Welcome to the month of September, the beginning of the Fall season and another school year. Our theme for the month is “Back to school - having important conversations”
Many of us grew up hearing “remember the child of who you are”, or “remember the family from which you come” (Isa 51:1b, NIV). These and many more are some of the pep talks we received as children going to school, and even now, give to our own. The Scriptures admonish that children be trained in the way to go (Prov 22:6). It is however important that these training happen from childhood because no child is too young to be told and taught the truth (2 Tim 3:15).
For those who are still in school, another academic session is here, another phase begins. Submit yourself to the advice and counsel of those who have gone ahead of you (Prov 11:14; 4:13). Do not live a secretive life; speak up and speak out when you are struggling with any issue. Remember that sin thrives in secrecy; do not stay away from fellowship, do not isolate yourself from those who care about you. Ask questions; be open to wise counsel. Understand that for every phase, every season, there will always be uncertainty (emotionally - feelings you do not understand; mentally & academically; spiritually - feelings of doubt and anxiety, and so on). Please be open to having these conversations with wise older people.
For the parental authorities/guardians, it is imperative that we take the time to talk to those whom God has entrusted to our care. We are to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15); not condescend or condemn (Col 4:6), but correct in love. If you love your children, you will tell them the truth. Do not be so occupied with the necessities of life that you neglect your family. Be open, observant and approachable. Pay attention to what is going on in their lives. We all celebrate the greatness of David as a king and warrior, but he failed as a father; he never corrected his sons, never observed the decay that was happening under his nose (1 Kings 1:6, 2 Sam 13:21-39); it ruined their relationships, and cost them their lives. On the other hand, God could boast of Abraham’s responsible fatherhood (Gen 18:19). Every parent (spiritual/biological) is saddled with the responsibility of raising godly seeds. It is very important that parents prepare their children well in advance to face the inevitable challenges that come with growth and life. These conversations, important and sometimes difficult, are not meant only for the start of an academic session, rather, they should be habitual (Deut 6:7; 11:19).
What are some of the conversations that we should have? Well, conversations about anything and everything. We live in a world covered in gross darkness where ancient landmarks are tampered with; a world where divine ordinances are questioned; a world with a redefined opinion of success, greatness, purpose. We are called to be disciples of Christ, to show forth the praises of our God in every sphere of human endeavour. And if we do not set the foundation right, there will be issues in the future. This is why the truth must be established in our hearts and those of our children, this is why we must have these conversations. In view of the academic session, these are some things to reiterate:
𑇑 Start early/hit the ground running. 𑇑 Do not start skipping classes; don’t have a shaky start to the session. Remember that it is the way you make your bed that you will lie on it. 𑇑 Make the most of time, defer gratification, prioritise, be focused. 𑇑 Make informed decisions. 𑇑 Keep the right company. 𑇑 Develop success habits like reading/studying, praying, taking notes, and timely completion of tasks. 𑇑 Rest and eat well. 𑇑 Learn from past mistakes. 𑇑 Use a study strategy that is tested, tried and proven, a strategy that works for you (1 Sam 17:39b). 𑇑 Seek timely help when needed and from the right places. 𑇑 Go for excellence; give it your best. 𑇑 Involve God, and from the beginning too!
No matter the nature of the conversation we have, our stance must align with Scriptures.; this is not debatable. These conversations may be painful, confrontational, embarrassing even, or seem awkward. However, no truth is trivial, and no truth must be assumed; it must be known and established in our hearts. Even more importantly, we must remember that the way we live speaks louder than the words we say (1 Pet 2:12).
It should be noted that having important conversations is not limited to parent-child, but also between spouses. Misunderstandings and assumptions need to be clarified and addressed.
In the series, we shall explore conversation with God, conversation with self, conversation with others and society. Do not miss any of it.
The wisdom and grace to have these important conversations are released to you in Jesus name (Lk 21:15). Welcome to September!