Day 1 – Who Your Child Represents at School
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.
– 2 Corinthians 5:20
Do you remember the kinds of things your mom used to tell you before the first day of school? “You are a GARCIA This mean you behave in a way that makes your family proud and that you do your best in everything that you attempt.” She would also say things like, “when you go to school, sit on the front row, raise your hand, be the first to volunteer, pay attention, respect the teacher, and follow the rules.”
Now, she probably didn’t say these things exactly this way. But, these concepts are burned into my memory. My last name is Reyes. However, my mom was quick to remind us that we were also part of the Garcia family (her maiden name). She wanted me to understand that I was a representative for the Garcia family. (Yes, Reyes too!) Now that I’m older, I realize that mom was teaching me how to be an ambassador. She helped me realize that I represented the family. She wanted me to represent the best picture of the Garcia’s as possible. My behavior, my actions, my attire, my words, my grades, and my attitude would reflect in a positive way or in a negative way on the Garcia family.
As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to be “Ambassadors for Christ” in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Paul reminds us of this responsibility and privilege. We have the privilege to teach our children that they are part of a family of faith. We can help them to be Ambassadors for Christ as they relate to other students, teachers, and school leadership. We can help them represent Christ in how they treat those around them and how they look out for anyone being mistreated. This is a new school year. What a great opportunity to challenge your son or daughter to consider how to represent Christ at school.
Take time today to pray for those you are sending to school. Please pray in front of them. Pray for their teachers and for the new friends they will meet. I’m so thankful for a mom who prayed with me. I am thankful for her instruction on how to “represent.” Thankful for how she taught me to represent the Garcia’s (and Reyes too). This helped me to learn how to represent Christ as well.
– Dr. Gus Reyes
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