Back to School Amid a Pandemic

This week begins an event of which has become most familiar for families of every stage. While it is dreaded by some and welcomed by others, it undoubtedly has such immense influence on us that our entire culture, and even our church calendar, often follows its schedule. Of course, I am referring to the beginning of the school year, an event that has become so commonplace that we are at least assured of knowing what to expect…except for this year. With all of the questions, confusion, and disagreement swirling around the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, no one is quite certain as to how the education of our children will be affected. Thankfully, our local school administrators have a plan in place for which families can make plans for the start of a new school year. Whether parents decide upon in-person instruction, virtual instruction, or some combination of the two, this year will be unlike any other our children have ever experienced.

While our nation’s response to this pandemic is a cause for fear to some, and frustration to others, parents must remember that our children will walk through this either way. The high calling of every parent (or any other adult with influence in a young person’s life) is that we provide mature and stable guidance to those whom God has entrusted us. Regardless of the popular psychology of our day, without the love and wisdom of godly parents, our children are not equipped to handle the difficulties of this life. The charge of Scripture to the parent is clear. Since “folly is bound up in the heart of a child” (Proverbs 22:15), we are to give them instruction and teaching which will result in life and blessing (Proverbs 1:8-9).

So, how can we possibly guide them through a time that is so wrought by fear, confusion, and frustration? How can we encourage our students in their schoolwork when we are uncertain as to when or how they will be learning? How can we ensure their confidence when regulations require that they wear a mask or stay six-feet apart from others for fear of a disease? The only manner in which we can instill faith in our children, even amidst a time of such fear, is by God’s revelation to us through His Word. The Bible is not simply a series of cute quips and proverbial sayings for marketing a smile. Rather, “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So, let us look to a memorable series of delightful commands provided by the Apostle Paul which provide insight for parents of students in this trying time.

1. “Rejoice always…”—1 Thessalonians 5:16

The people to whom Paul originally wrote these words were not living in the ease of an untested faith. They lived under the cloud of intense and growing persecution from a culture that increasingly disdained Christ followers. The encouragement that we “rejoice always” is not allocated to those moments in life in which cares are most difficult to find. What this command makes very clear is that the believer always has a reason, and therefore, an obligation, to rejoice. The threat of a pandemic does not nullify this command. For all generations, God has encouraged His people that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to remind our children that we can and must face each day with an intrinsic joy that only the Lord provides. Make no mistake, with all the bad news prevailing, this joy will be hard fought each day. But the fears and frustrations surrounding this school year are still no match for a God who bountifully supplies us with all good things (Romans 8:32)! So, rather than succumbing to the temptation to complain in sourness, show your little ones (and not so little ones) how to laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25). Take God seriously…not so much yourself and the bad news that is constant.

2. “pray without ceasing…”—1 Thessalonians 5:17

If anything, our current circumstances should be a reminder of how much we need prayer. Surely our only hope is found in God’s mercy and grace so ready in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Undoubtedly, our children will hear us criticize decisions during these days for which we disagree. Yet, will our children hear us praying for their teachers and administrators? Will our children see us on our knees in prayer for even them? Regardless of what the media may dispense as the greatest danger to our children, Jesus made it very clear that it is not the dangers without for which we must be most aware, but rather the dangers within (Matthew 15:18-19). Pandemic or not, our children need us to be praying for their character as much and even more so than for their caution. As they start the school year in the coming days, may we make the habit of praying for them and with them as they face each new day.

3. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”—1 Thessalonians 5:18

Most of us desire to raise thankful children. Yet, I wonder if they ever see us giving thanks, even in the midst of frustration, confusion, and disappointment? Do our children witness us trusting God enough to give Him thanks for a pandemic, a mask order, or even virtual classrooms? And certainly, our thankfulness is hypocrisy without involvement. We must encourage, support, and hold accountable the administrators and teachers for whom this new school year is so difficult. More than ever, students will be tempted to succumb to cynicism and disrespect for authority, especially when they hear it from the lips of their parents. The education of our children is our responsibility, not that of a teacher or school. They come alongside us in this discipline. They must have our assistance and we must make certain that our students are being taught truth.

Without question, this is a new school year quite unlike any other. However, we serve a God wholly unlike any other (Psalm 113:5)! Let us say with confidence, “This is the day [and the school year] the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24).

Jason