The Public-Schooled Christian

Public schools are a battleground. There, the world and Christianity meet. 

Though the world outnumbers believers by far, believers have someone on our side who the world doesn’t: God. The battle in front of us may look bleak but we know that our God has won the war, so we can charge ahead confidently. 

Not every person we share the Gospel with is going to become a Christian. Not every person who watches us stand up for our beliefs is going to like us. But we aren’t trying to please man; we are striving to please God. 

So, fellow soldier, we are called to fight the battle for God, and fight it well. Here are 4 ways we can do that. 

1. Recognize the enemy. 

A soldier can’t fight if they don’t know that their enemy is nearby. They wouldn’t know that they need to fight. 

We need to recognize that Satan tries to work through people in public schools, and we need to be prepared to stand strong in our faith in spite of any temptations or attacks from Him that may come. 

However, we shouldn’t lose sight of who the real enemy is. Unbelievers may be workers for Satan and slaves to sin, but it is not them who we are really fighting against. It is Satan. 

The way of a Christian in battle is different from the way of a non-Christian because we don’t try to harm the opposing soldiers. We want to benefit them. We want them to come to faith in Christ and leave their old ways. We fight fairly, with love and the Holy Spirit as our weapons. 

We need to recognize the enemy to fight well. 

2. Have a battle plan. 

Soldiers don’t go into battle with no idea what to do–they have a battle plan that was laid out for them by their commander. They stick to the plan because they know it is what will help them win the battle. 

Christians have a whole book detailing our battle plan–the Bible! All of the Bible, especially the New Testament, tells us how to act and how to follow Jesus. We need to turn to God’s Word for instruction on how to serve Jesus. 

Before school, we need to remind ourselves of our God’s instructions. Do you know your battle plan?

3. Armor Up. 

A soldier doesn’t go into battle without first putting on his uniform and equipment. If he entered battle without those things, he’d have little to no chance against the enemy. 

Think about it: in ancient times, what chance would someone have of winning a battle without a sword, a bow and arrows, armor, or another weapon? Today, what chance would a soldier have of winning a battle without a gun? And what chance would an army have if they didn’t wear their uniforms so soldiers know who is on the same side?

We need to wear our armor to perform well in spiritual battles. 

Ephesians 6:13-18 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Before we go to school, we need to be fully prepared with the armor of God. We need to be grounded in the Word, filled with the Spirit, and have our eyes set on Jesus. 

4. Fight as a team. 

Soldiers don’t fight alone. They have an army they’re a part of. By working with their fellow soldiers, they have a better chance of winning the battle. 

Christians are not alone in our fight, either. We have brothers and sisters surrounding us–maybe not at school, but at church–who will encourage us and fight alongside us. Christian community makes a big difference. 

If you aren’t working together with your fellow soldiers or have broken relationships with them, I encourage you to reach out and restore those relationships. To get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ better so that you can fight and serve Christ well. 

This school year, know your battle plan. How are you going to stay strong in your faith despite the pressure of public school? What is your plan for putting on the armor of God? Will you strive to be a light to your classmates?

Let’s make this school year different.