Rekindle the

but out.  Ladies and gentlemen, Christian

teachers everywhere—it is time to fight back! 
It is time to rediscover why we do what we do. 
Flame It is time to embrace the new theme for the
2022-2023 school year …
BY THETEACHERSDEVOTIONAL 3 WEEKS AGO

REKINDLE THE FLAME. 

Core scripture: Not slothful in business; fervent
in spirit; serving the Lord (Romans 12:11)
Message: I am about to enter my 20th year of Jimmy Casas, a presenter at Olathe Summer
teaching.  Man … 20 years.  That is a LONG Conference 2022, challenged us to remember
time!  How long?  Some of my former students why we teach.  I thought back to that young
are now my colleagues.  They have families of man in his mid-20’s.  Man, I was so different! 
their own.  I am officially now older than my Excitement oozed from my every essence.  I
students’ parents.  Alright, I will stop there.  No wept tears of passion at my job interview.  And
sense in making my bones feel creaky THAT that lady took note of the fire she saw inside
much more.     me.  Within weeks I had a second interview
with Olathe and was hired. 
Do you remember your first year?  Your first
lesson even?  Back when you thought you could Where is that guy?  I know he can be
change the world?  I do.  rediscovered.  I must allow the Holy Spirit to
take over.  Quiet myself.  Listen.  I can hear it
Still in school at MNU, I had been observing an speaking to me through the powerful words of
Christ …
English class at Oregon Trail Middle School,
and I was about to teach a lesson about the
plains Indians.  Oh man, was I stoked!  I mean, “You are the light of the world—like a city on
I found the perfect movie clip from Dances a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights
With Wolves, the perfect writing assignment.  a lamp and then puts it under a basket.
Everything was spot on.  And the fire inside my Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it
belly was roaring, aching to make a difference.   gives light to everyone in the house. In the
same way, let your good deeds shine out for all
Do you remember that phenomenon?  That to see, so that everyone will praise your
heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
feeling that you could actually change a life for
the better?  Make a difference in the life of a
child?  I love that feeling!  It is why we teach!  How can we be that light?  How can we
Sadly, I must admit, probably much like any rekindle the flame, not only sparking life into
veteran teacher, that the fire that once burned in ourselves, but also allowing the overflow to
me has dimmed a bit.  No, it is not completely spill into our students and colleagues?  Here are
extinguished, but it sure isn’t burning as much a few ideas.
as before.

1. Pray persistently.  Seek Him all

Teacher burnout is at an all-time high.  We are day long.  Before your students
leaving the profession like a stampede of arrive.  As they begin to flood
buffalo.  Satan has been spraying his fire your classroom.  On your breaks. 
extinguisher relentlessly, and our flames are all God will listen!  Communication
 with the Almighty will soothe Challenge: Get that fire started back up. 
your anxious soul.  He will nudge Rekindle 
you the way you need to go.    
2. Keep in the Word.  It doesn’t
matter how many times I read the
Bible; I can always find a new
perspective.  God will likewise
provide me the perfect scripture to
combat the temptations I face. 
Meditate on His truth.  Memorize
your favorite verses. 
3. Try something new.  Refresh
yourself with a new lesson you
find intriguing.  Don’t feel like
you have to completely reinvent
the wheel, but be open to new
ideas.  Mixing things up will
hopefully spark that fire!  Then
allow the Lord to fan the flames.
4. Find a way to serve.  My most
purposeful moments come when I
serve.  Serve Him using the gifts
you have.  Do you have a passion
for sports?  Coach.  Love to
write?  Start a writing club.  God
loves seeing His children
displaying servant leadership. 
5. Be unashamed.  Be open and
unashamed about your faith. 
When I get to know my students
the first weeks of school, I always
let them know I am a Christian. 
Just like clockwork, the Christian
students will quietly connect with
me.  I love encouraging them in
their walks.

I opened my rosters for the first time this

morning.  Looking at my new students’ faces, I
smiled.  Every face has a story.  Every face is
looking for inspiration.  Be that inspiration
when they arrive!  Rekindle the flame that once
burned inside you.  Allow that passion for
teaching to creep back in, and let it spread like a
wildfire.