It is hard to believe that it is time for school to be back in session. Starting a new school year is always an exciting time with new teachers, new supplies, and seeing friends again. While I am sure, every student here is fully equipped with all the paper, pencils, and boxes of Kleenexes to make this year a success, I want to suggest some other things necessary to make this year a great one.

Memory: This year, you will have to memorize many things names, dates, places, equations, and classroom numbers, to name a few. However, there is one thing that you must remember and never forget, your Creator. King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 12:1 to “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth….” This means you need to know what God wants and to do your best to follow His will.

Diligence: This year, you will have to give your best effort in your schoolwork to master the material. In doing so, do not forget your Bible lessons! Some of the greatest minds in history, such as Isaac Newton, spent much time studying their bibles in addition to their other studies. Remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Solomon says that true wisdom and knowledge starts with honoring God as the giver of all life and wisdom. Do not neglect your Bible this school year!

Courage: Also, you will need to have the courage to do what is right this year. James writes in James 4:17 that the “one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James is plain here for our understanding. If you know what is right and neglect to do it, then you are in trouble. Jesus gave a teaching in Matthew 7:12 that can help you do what is right. He said there to “treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the law and the prophets.” If you do your best to live by Jesus’ words here, you will be doing what is right. For example, is lying. In general, people do not like it when they are lied to. If you are trying to live by Jesus’ teaching, you are not going to lie to other people because you know how it feels when people lie to you.

Keep these lessons in mind this school year, and you will do well. These lessons are timeless and applicable at every age and in every place in life. Remember your Creator, give diligence to His word, and be courageous for good!