Core Scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

Message: All it took was one.  One kid who came to me with his agenda open.  It was prime time to use the bathroom.  About midway through the hour.  Did he really need to go?  Who knows.  But I signed his pass and let him go.

You could practically hear their thoughts as the door closed behind contestant number one … Dude, he’s giving out free passes!  Strike while the iron is hot!

It opened the floodgates.  Another kid whipped their agenda open.  Two minutes later—another.  Before I knew it, I had a line of four kids ready to use the bathroom, one by one. 

As Scooby Doo would say, “Ruh roh.”

So many factors to consider here.  The kid that really needs to go should be able to go.  But what about the kid that just wants to get out of class?  The kid that wants to avoid?  Or the kid that just needs movement? 

I wish there was a superpower to diagnose the heart’s intent here.  We instead must rely on Holy Spirit instinct to handle these delicate situations.  Here are some tips to help out …

1. Encourage students to be proactive, using the bathroom on their breaks.  I always remind the kids that we have an extra minute passing period between 4^th and 5^th hour. 
2. Only one kid should be able to leave at a time.  More than one kid in the hall is a recipe for disaster.
3. Set a timer for three or four minutes, and tell the student they will owe a consequence if they are not back in time.
4. If a girl says it is that time of the month, never question it.  Let her go.   
5. Be leery of your speech, especially your tone, when answering hallway pass questions.  Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
6. It is okay to implement a “no fly zone” where students are not allowed to use the restroom.  For me, this is when I am giving instruction. 
7. Incorporate movement in your classroom.  Some kids just need to get out of their seats, and they use the bathroom as a reason to move around. 
8. Never call a kid out for being in the hallway too long in front of the entire class.  This happened to me recently, and the kid was so upset that she cried to her mom later.  I wrote the girl an apology note.
9. Talk to kids privately if they are gone for too long.  It is okay to say that you are losing trust due to their actions.  Just be sure you say this in a caring, non-accusatory tone. 
10. Know that if you call yourself a Christian, you represent Christ in what you say and do.  Act in a manner worthy of Him.

Challenge: Take the tips above that you think will work for you and implement them. 

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

• Praise God for the opportunity you have to be Christ to students in how you grant their hallway pass requests.
• Pray that God will give you wisdom on how to deal with hallway passes.

Just for fun: This meme is pretty much right on the money. 

Prayer: Lord, help me discern how to handle hallway passes in a Christlike manner.  May my words and actions make You proud.  Amen.