It's easy to see where there might be disagreements in schools. There are perennial questions about school policies and differing opinions about teaching strategies and all this on top of navigating what you have to do for tomorrow and leaving the rest.
What do we do when what seems 'right' to us is not in agreement with our peers or those above us?
We will all have very good reasons for going into teaching but the verses we'll look at today might challenge our intentions. The guidelines at the end will hopefully help us in the future when more disagreements and decisions come.
It might help everyone to be able to see what you're using, especially for the Reflect section. Use this qr code so eveyone can navigate to this page easily.
Starter
1. Can you think of situations when what you're asked to do in school or uni might go against how you believe God is asking you to live?
Deeper
2. Write or print out the following verses, each on a separate piece of A4 paper:
'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.' Colossians 3:23-24
'Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.' 1 Corinthians 15:58
'Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.' Ephesians 6:5-8
Split into groups and give a verse to each group.
3. Look up your passage and identify both what Paul says we should do and why. Put it into your own words.
4. How close are the 'whys' that you have identified to the actual reasons you are getting your work done?
5. How might your passage help if you have to work out the moral, godly way forward in a school situation?
Share your thoughts and reflections once every group has finished.
Reflect
6. Spend a moment quietly then share in twos or threes and pray for each other. Perhaps ask, 'what is sticking out to you from these verses that you see change or remember?'
Logos Scotland produced some guidelines for thinking about strike action a few years ago but it applies more generally for any decision we make about how we work. Below is a summary of the points that you can find in this article.
- Freedom - We are free to think through and work out what is best for everyone inolved. We want everyone to be valued and for work to be high quality and should think about that and work towards it.
- Motivation - It is important to think carefully about the reasons that a union might be suggesting strike action or why you would join in in pushing for change.
- Impact - What will the impact of your actions be? Even if the overall aim is a good one, will you bring damage or difficulty along the way that should be avoiced?
- Options - God so often makes things happen that we didn't think were possible. We often think that one line of action is our only option. Remember to think about all the possiblities and ways ahead, and to pray for wisdom.
- Responsibilities - Our decisions at work affect our relationships and the effects have to be considered for those around us.
- Manipulation - Sometimes others will suggest a course of action for different agendas. Are both the aim and the action justified?
- Forgiveness and Grace - We have been given incredible grace by God. What does it look like to extend that same grace and forgiveness to others? Some workplace problems require action, but how do we go about it distinctively, like Jesus and with grace?
- Reconciliation - Even when we were in the depths of our sin, God was working for reconciliation with us. How can we seek the same for those we disagree with?
7. Education is a surprisingly political sector! we are often called on to share our opinions in the staff room and our work will frequently find its way into the media. Some of the points about might come naturally to you, others less so. Which do you want to think about more for next time you have a tricky situation? Pray about this all together.