Back To School Principles

Introduction

Most of you have returned to school as of this week, and with all that comes with back to school, be it homework, classes, practice and games; it’s easy to be so caught up in everything and everyone around you that you’re distracted from the things going on within you.

It was John Calvin that said, “Our hearts are idol-making factories” and since that is true, if we aren’t careful we will easily allow all that is going on around us to pull us away from that strong Christian walk that we all desire to have. So, with this being the case, I figured it might be beneficial to look to Proverbs 4:20-27 tonight to find some Biblical principles to aid us as we find ourselves easing back into this new school years.

So, we can approach this subject with this phrase in mind. “If I’m going to be consistent in changing times, I should remember to:”

Stay Meditating on the Word (19-23)

Solomon is making it very clear that the way of the world is like darkness. The things they love, the things they find important or all consuming aren’t clear. Their path gives no direction, no comfort, no peace or safety. This is the path that those who reject the wisdom of God walk. And with that being laid out, Solomon wants us to know that there is a way that is light, that is safe, that gives comfort and direction. And that way is found in the word of God!

One man said, “A neglected Bible is the sad proof of a heart that is alienated from God.”

Solomon is calling for us to set our eyes upon the word of God, to focus deeply upon it and to think about it constantly. And if we will do this, we will find that this way is life to us (22).

I love this quote by Charles Bridges, “Some medicines are good for one part of the body, some for another. [The Word is] good for the body and the soul. We will enjoy vigorous health as we feed on this heavenly manna. We will not then bear our religion as our cross, or as a cumbersome appendage. We will not drag our Christian duties around with us as if they were chains. Godliness will be a joy for us. The spirit will be aglow. The mind will be enriched with divine wisdom. The heart will be established with gospel grace.”

If you and I are going to be consistent Christians, people who stand firm in changing times, then we must find ourselves in our Bibles.

See, the world is after your heart. Everyday you have a thousand voices calling for you to make it your new idol, and because this is true, Solomon is warning us to stand guard at all times. Now, he isn’t talking about your actual heart as in the organ here, instead he is talking about the passions of your life, the center of your being, where your affections lie. And the reason there is such a war for that place is that whatever controls you heart, controls you totally. So, when you wake up tomorrow, remind yourself, there are no off days in the Christian fight.

Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV

9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

Flavel said, “The greatest difficulty in conversion is to win the heart to God, and after conversion to keep it with Him.”

So watch for attacks, do a self inspection frequently to see where your love lies, Nurture a humble spirit and live in obedience to God’s word because if sin gets control of your heart, it gets all of you. Your emotions, your affections, your goals and desires will be handed over to whatever you sit upon the thrown of your heart.

Guard My Tongue (24)

Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

But I also want you to read James 3:1-11 with me quickly.

So what we see here is it is the tongue that reveals the condition of your heart, but it is also possible for the tongue to control the habits of the thoughts of the minds. (Canteen again)

And with this being the case, we should be sure to consider our words before we speak and we should be sure to season them with grace.

Commit to Walking In Righteousness

Set Your Focus Upon The Righteous Way (25)

Matthew 6:22 NKJV

22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

The eyes are the lamp to the body, but all to often we use them to let in the darkness of sin much like Eve looking upon the forbidden fruit or Lot’s wife looking back to Sodom and Gomorrah.

If we are going to be people walking in righteousness we must look to the Lord for wisdom and strength. The thing is that Jesus is laced throughout this whole lesson. He is the wisdom of God, He is the One who speaks with all wisdom and power, He is the pure, sinless Lamb of God that came focused to do the Father’s will. If you and I are going to stand as Christians in the midst of corruption we must look to Christ as our example and rest in the Spirit for our power.

For this way is established and does not lead to heartache, pain and destruction (26)

Dr. Abercrombie said, “The habit of calm and serious thinking makes the real difference between one man and another.”

I believe it was Ben Franklin that woke up everyday and asked himself, “What good shall I do today?”

We as Christians should frequently be asking ourselves, “How can I represent Christ today?”

Because the trails of evil are everyone, so be careful where your walking. (27)