The Heart of our School Service

By Dr. Barrett Mosbacker

March 04, 2012

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed — God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:1ff).

Paul’s heart for and ministry to the church is instructive as we strive to serve our students, parents, and each other in a way that pleases Christ. Here are some thoughts and applications drawn from this passage.

Boldness

We must be courageous and bold in declaring truth to students, parents, and to each other. The primary truth is the Gospel. Never assume that a student or a parent is a believer. He or she may not be. As appropriate, and with love and wisdom, share the Gospel.

In the Midst of Much Conflict

We do not like conflict, and we try to avoid it. Yet conflict is unavoidable and can even be profitable when it arises from honesty rather than from a difficult temperament or an inappropriate response to others. We need to deal with the conflict that arises when we tell students or parents the truth. If a student is failing to work hard, is being irresponsible, has violated a school policy, is not yet ready to start on the team, or is acting as a bully, we need to say so. We are to speak the truth in love — never in a mean-spirited or condescending manner — but we must tell the truth. We do not avoid necessary conflict; we work through it profitably for all concerned.

Pleasing God, Not Man

We like to be liked. It is tempting to do what will earn the approval of others or to avoid decisions that may provoke their displeasure. The praise of others must not be the motivation for our decisions and actions. God’s praise is to be our goal. Popularity is as fleeting as the last decision made or the latest fad in cultural values. God’s standards never change. We are to desire his smile, not the smile of people. We must also remember, however, that Jesus grew in favor with both God and man. We do not please God by being obnoxious, difficult, or self-righteous.

Not Self-Centered: It Is Not About Us

Paul sacrificed what he had a right to, willingly giving it up in order to serve. Although most of us are compensated fairly, most in Christian education could earn more in a comparable position in the public or corporate sectors. Our work could also be easier if we never stretched ourselves, never tried new approaches, never adopted better methods, or never reworked our material.

But our motives are not tied to compensation or to avoiding extra work and frustration. Our motive is to serve — to be living sacrifices, poured out in service to students, parents, and each other. This is not easy. This is not what the world values or preaches. Our sacrifices are not always known or appreciated. It does not matter. We seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and leave the rest to God’s wise providence.

Not About Reputation or Praise

Like Paul, we do not seek glory from men. Whether we are liked and praised — though that is pleasant — is ultimately irrelevant. What matters is faithful, fruitful service to God as we render service to students, parents, and each other. We must learn to let both the smiles and frowns of others pass without lodging. It is the smile of God, not of men, that we seek.

Gentle

There is much in the word gentleman — gentle man. In today’s culture, gentleness is often mistaken for weakness, while strength and aggression are assumed to be virtues in themselves. There is nothing wrong with strength and resolve. In fact, they are necessary for those who serve Christ. Yet Jesus is also described this way:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope (Matthew 12:18–21).

We are to combine strength with gentleness in all our dealings with others.

Sharing of Ourselves

It is relatively easy to share a lesson, a lecture, or even the Gospel. We simply speak.

What is more difficult is sharing ourselves. That requires time, sacrifice, and vulnerability. We must share not only what is true but who we are. It is one thing to tell a spouse that we love him or her; it is another to give ourselves in acts of love. Likewise, it is one thing to tell students, parents, and colleagues what we believe and that we care. It is another to demonstrate it.

Hard Labor

Those who have never taught or coached have little idea how demanding the work is. It is hard. It is often underappreciated. It takes time away from family. It extends into evenings and weekends. And sometimes, regardless of how much effort and care we invest in coaching, teaching, or leading, we face criticism — and occasionally outright mistreatment. So did virtually every saint in Scripture. It comes with the calling.

Teaching, coaching, and leading in a Christian school is not a nine-to-five occupation. That is as it should be. We are stewards of souls — eternal minds and hearts. What we do counts forever. It changes lives and changes communities. It matters. Therefore, it requires hard work and long hours. No one compels us to this. It is a calling. It is a stewardship. Whether others appreciate our labor is beside the point. What matters is that we are faithful in cultivating our gifts and fulfilling our callings to the maximum of our God-given abilities.

We have not been called to a comfortable life. We have been called to labor.

Holy and Blameless Conduct

We are redeemed sinners. We are not perfect. We sin. We fail. We fall.

But the tenor of our lives must be such that our conduct is holy and blameless, above reproach. We are morally pure, honest, and full of integrity. We do not gossip. We do not complain. We are full of the Fruit of the Spirit. We are not self-serving. We are, by God’s grace, an example to others, especially to our students.

Exhorted, Encouraged, Charged

We urge and appeal to our students, parents, and each other to do the right thing. We encourage the discouraged, the tired, and those who have stumbled and need a helping hand. We commission others, giving them instruction and a mission.

What a hard and glorious calling we have! May God grant us the grace to fulfill it for his smile and for his kingdom!