Core Scripture: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

Message: Wisdom.  We all need it.  Especially for the week of parent/teacher conferences!  Pretty cool how my Chronological Bible in a Year devotion plan has been recently leading me through the ultimate source of wisdom in Proverbs. 

It is time for me to backtrack a bit and reflect on these nuggets of truth, applying them to what I will be enduring Wednesday and Thursday evening this week.  My hope is that these Proverbs will guide all of us through conferences. 

1. Speak life and positivity.  Every kid has a positive.  It might be a stretch for some, but create it.  Let the parents hear at least one nice thing about their child.  Proverbs 16:24 states, “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  I always try to lead with a positive and then speak truth later. 
2. Speak truth.  Parents need to hear about areas their kids can improve.  Don’t sugarcoat everything and lie about the truth parents need to hear.  “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth” (Proverbs 12:22).  This can always be done in a constructive way. 
3. Be leery of tone.  When speaking truth, you can always use a loving tone.  Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”  Remind parents that you want what is best for their kids.  Show genuine concern to help bridge the gap between school and home.
4. Be productive.  Utilize your down time.  Get some grading done.  Plan out that new unit.  Watch that bullying video you are required to view.  Proverbs 13:4 reminds us, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”  Err on the diligent side!
5. Be careful afterwards.  Rarely do I go out for a drink after conferences, but if you do, watch yourself.  I have seen many a teacher through the years regret something they said afterwards, gossiping about a parent or student.  Proverbs 16:28 states, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”  Drink in moderation.  Or avoid the scene altogether, go home, and get some rest!

As a Christian teacher, you represent so much more than just yourself.  You represent the church.  You represent Christ.  Parents should notice a difference in you that separates you from the world.  BE that difference during conferences.  Let the fruits of the spirit drive your conversations …

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

You cannot go wrong with that.

Challenge: Which Proverb above spoke truth to you the most?  Memorize that scripture.  Put it in your heart so you can recite it when temptation strikes. 

Christian Teacher Zoom: This Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm central I will be joining a Zoom call for Christian teachers to encourage and pray for one another.  I would LOVE to see some of my followers there if you can make the time.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88120492613?pwd=kQ1xlsGyG21NLQ8aUrYS1X5plbTNKw.1

Meeting ID: 881 2049 2613

Passcode: 133665

Song application: “Christ in Me” by Jeremy Camp

So come and empty me
So that it’s You, I breathe
I want my life to be only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
‘Cause You’re my source of life
I need the world to see
That it’s Christ in me, yeah
That it’s Christ in me, yeah, yeah

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for the parents that are making time to communicate at conferences.
• Pray that conversations can both encourage and challenge our students and parents to push forward.
• Pray that gaps between school and home can be bridged and repaired.   

Just for fun: I have never partaken in playing Bingo at parent/teacher conferences, but this sample card brought a few smiles to my face.  Check it out!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to partner with parents.  Help me glorify You in parent/teacher conferences this week.  Amen.