Accelerate the Learning Curve

    One of the statements I like to use in the classroom is the If/Then statement, especially within the context of religion class.  It would go something like: If Jesus, then Satan.  To clarify this thought:  If you believe Jesus is true, then you must also believe Satan to be true because Jesus most certainly believed Satan to be a real deal.  This If/Then statement carries all kinds of weight in evaluating how relevant one’s belief in Jesus is in the “real world,” in one’s daily walk, actions, and ideology.  Superficially a lot of people say they believe in Jesus.  But the bigger questions is: Do you believe what Jesus believes, sometimes independently of what you think?  For example If Jesus, then marriage = 1 man + 1 woman for life.  This really has nothing to do with opinions, nor what you think of individuals who do something different. Either you believe what Jesus believes, or you do not; no opinion required.  If Jesus, then love sinners.  We all qualify as sinners. (This is not to be taken dismissively.)  It doesn’t matter the sin.  We should not be flippant about who we decide to share compassion, empathy, or kindness.  We need to love one another, so we can share the Gospel of Christ affectively.  Affective sharing may be tough, “tough love.”  It may be as simple as an understanding smile.  This, too, is non-opinionated, that is if you believe what Jesus believed.
       When it comes to opportunities to share, I feel one of the strongest motivating principles is: If Jesus, then “urgency.”  Did Jesus really mean that He was coming soon, or didn’t He? – Rev 22:20  If Jesus, then we best get busy, because our timeline is crunched.  More people today are not Jesus-centric; hence we have more opportunity than ever.  If we truly care for (love) our neighbor, we need to be concerned for their eternal health and well-being, and we do not have much time.  Every kid (person) that crosses my vocational path (my classroom), I try to meet them with the intentionality of “this may be the last time I have.”  There is a lot of truth in the fact that we have no idea when Jesus will come for any one of us, or for all of us.  It is a fascinating worldview to live with this sense of urgency.  I have not met that many people that foundationally operate this way.  Taking time for granted is a huge mistake from a Biblical perspective.  We have to do our best – 1 Cor 9:24-27.  We cannot give up – Gal 6:9.  We must push forward – Phil 3:14.  We, MLHS, hope to move with this purpose.  If Jesus, then we desire all to be saved – 1 Tim 2:4. 

                                                                           Come Lord Jesus, Amen!
                                                                           Paul Steinhaus, Principal