Every school year our prayer group revolves around a theme. When it was birthed in January 2013, our theme was Toe the Line, based on the idea that Christian teachers should be bold enough to step right up to the line that defines separation of church and state but to never cross it. The 2014-2015 school year brought the theme Do Something, based on Matthew West’s hit song. This year we are going old school. Straight up to the time of our Savior. He built a legacy that has stood the test of time, and it is our job as Christian teachers to Live His Legacy through our actions. So, how do we do this? Let’s examine some Biblical principles that we must keep in mind.

1. “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1: 22). Translation: Don’t just read the Bible.  Live it!  One of the greatest myths of the Christian teacher is that we are not allowed to practice our faith at work.  Yes, there are certain laws that forbid us to cite scripture and witness to students, but there are no laws about modeling Christian morals and character.  To truly live Christ’s legacy, you can’t flip on and off your Christianity like a switch when it is convenient.  When you are saved, it is a whole lifestyle change, a complete submission to His authority in your life.  Nothing else but Christ matters!
2. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2: 3-4). Do you want others to know you’re a Christian?  Act this out.  With your students.  With your colleagues.  With those that serve your school humbly like janitors or lunch ladies.  Living His legacy means serving others, putting them before yourself in complete humility.  Be the last in line during the faculty breakfast.  Grab handouts for your entire table at preservice meetings.  Help that new teacher get his or her room set up.  Through this selfless service, you are showing others who Christ is.
3. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5: 11). Inject confidence into others!  Pat others on the back when they do something right.  Give them that Newt Rockne pep talk that will not just help them achieve greatness—it will show them greatness!  Be your students’ biggest cheerleader before a big test or project.  Write an empowering note to a colleague that did something incredible.  Pull aside your principal and let them know how much you appreciated the innovative preservice activity.  When we feel that appreciation from others, we reach heights we’ve only dreamed of!

I don’t know about you, but I am stoked about the possibilities of this school year. You simply can’t go wrong if your model for leadership is in Jesus Christ. His legacy will spread to others, some without even knowing who Christ is. But I tell you what … those lost souls will have an easier time understanding Christianity when all they have to do is look back at you. Show Jesus to the world this year through your actions. Live His legacy!

(When you listen to the lyrics of Tim Timmons’ song “Starts With Me”, you hear a voice that is apprehensive and filled with uncertainty; however, it likewise shows how Christ’s power reigns supreme over fear. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pslWA2VRmxg.)