ambassadors for the risen Christ ministries

by Shawn Brasseaux

What is a “Spirit-filled student?” He or she is a member of the Body of Christ, a student (elementary, junior high, high school, college, etc) who allows himself or herself to be a reflection of God’s grace within the school environment. As summer vacation draws to a close, students are preparing to return to school, so here is some advice Christian students should consider….

If you attend (or will be attending) a private Christian school, then praise the Lord! You were spared being indoctrinated with the philosophies of man. However, if you are like most in that you attend (or will be attending) a secular public school, be prepared to hear and see things that are not going to be profitable for you.

You will hear all sorts of theories. Some are interesting, and do not conflict with the Bible. They may or may not be true, but we really cannot say one way or the other because God’s Word does not comment on those subjects. On the other hand, you will also hear many ideas that outright contradict God’s Word. Approach such ideas using extreme caution, bearing in mind that ideas of that nature are merely foolish, human reasoning and imagination. If you feel led to speak up in class to defend God’s Word, then do it, but do it in love and respect.

I remind you of the words Paul wrote to young Timothy in 1 Timothy 6 KJV:

“20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.”

True science never contradicts the Bible. In fact, true science aligns perfectly with God’s Word. However, Paul warns us of false sciences. These sciences (forms of “knowledge”) are speculative and hypothetical. The theory of biological evolution is just that… a theory, not a scientific law! Evolutionists will flat out tell you they cannot prove evolution beyond speculation and circular reasoning—it is just an idea conceived as an alternative to a literal interpretation of the creation account in the book of Genesis. These ideas contradict God’s Word. That type of knowledge is evil and spiritually dangerous. Why? Because some believers in Paul’s day fell prey to lies, and they “erred concerning the faith.” Their spiritual life was damaged. Like the Corinthian believers, they considered “the wisdom of this world” more important than the “wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:17–2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20).

When man’s word and God’s Word contradict, man’s reasoning leads him to conclude that he is right and God is wrong. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 KJV). “They worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:25).

Man does not want God as his final authority, so he seeks alternatives to believing God’s Word. Man invents “profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science FALSELY so called.” In other words, man’s little puny “noodle” (brain) seems to think it has all the answers and that it is its own boss. Mankind uses his mind to invent silly little notions that pat him on the back and make his head swell—“you are evolving into a higher being” or “you are inherently moral and good!” No wonder God calls it “profane and vain babblings.” Man’s reasoning is foolish, empty chatter (babbling). “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).

Hopefully, your parents (or some adult) taught you since you were a small child that you need to rely on God’s Word. God’s Word is the ultimate authority. Let not your faith be shaken by the erroneous ideas you will hear in school. Have a firm understanding in God’s Word, because you will not only need it in those critical years of high school and college, but also for the rest of your life. Many young minds have been polluted in college because they were spiritually weak, able to be moved from faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. I pray that you are spiritually ready for the challenges you will face in high school and college.

Above all, whether it is in a high school, a college, or even a technical school, be a servant of Christ. Although speaking about the employer–employee relationship, Ephesians 6:6-8 KJV is a set of instructions to Christians in any walk of life.

“6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.”

Notice that we should never be doing good works for the sake of being seen by fellow mankind. The heart attitude is what matters. Are you doing well in school so you can brag to your peers and friends, or are you doing well in school because it reflects the new identity you have in Christ? Are you studying and making good grades to give yourself praise, or are you studying and making good grades because it brings glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ?

God is not demanding that you make straight A’s. You do not have to necessarily join the honor’s program or constantly be on the honor roll or president’s list. The important thing is that God wants your willingness to serve Him. Remember, you are here to please God, not please man. The Lord Jesus Christ wants you to allow Him to live His life in and through you as you live and work to acquire your education.

What God would want you to do is study and attend class as often as you can. You need an education so you can get a good job. You need the job because you and your family have to eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8). Do not take your school years casually—junior high, high school, and college dropouts usually regret it. There is nothing wrong with having a party responsibly, but of course, be reasonable and respectful. Remember, when the world sees your life, they are supposed to be seeing Christ’s life!

I wish you the best this upcoming school year, wherever you have prayerfully chosen to attend school. It is okay to be nervous, but remember grace and peace. God wants you to be ready, but He wants you to be calm. If you have trusted in Jesus Christ today as your personal Savior, God’s Holy Spirit is there with you right at this moment. God will be there with you, strengthening you and compelling you! Go attend class… “to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)….

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 KJV).