It’s back to school season. Last week classes started at Bethel University, where Cathy and I teach freshmen. We attended a welcome picnic and had a couple meetings with our students before classes began. Even before orientation week, Cathy and I started learning our students’ names.
Until I learn the students’ names, I don’t feel like they are truly my class. I don’t like calling students “you” or pointing at them instead of using their name. Learning names and building relationships are critical aspects of what it means to me to be my students’ teacher. I like it when they know my name too. I ask them is to learn to spell it correctly by the end of the semester!
Getting to know our students is one of the favorite parts of our job for Cathy and me. Learning our students’ names is just a start. Like most teachers, Cathy and I want to know their goals, their strengths, and the areas in which they need the most help. We want to help them academically, of course, but we also want to help them grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
As much as Cathy and I try to know our students, we pale in comparison to the way God knows them. They way God knows you and me.
One of the major themes in the Bible is God knows us. He knows us by name. He knows us before we are born. He knows when we sit down and when we get up. God knows our thoughts and our hearts. The Bible says He can even count the hairs on our head!
Until I learn the students’ names, I don’t feel like they are truly my class. I don’t like calling students “you” or pointing at them instead of using their name. Learning names and building relationships are critical aspects of what it means to me to be my students’ teacher. I like it when they know my name too. I ask them is to learn to spell it correctly by the end of the semester!
Getting to know our students is one of the favorite parts of our job for Cathy and me. Learning our students’ names is just a start. Like most teachers, Cathy and I want to know their goals, their strengths, and the areas in which they need the most help. We want to help them academically, of course, but we also want to help them grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
As much as Cathy and I try to know our students, we pale in comparison to the way God knows them. They way God knows you and me.
One of the major themes in the Bible is God knows us. He knows us by name. He knows us before we are born. He knows when we sit down and when we get up. God knows our thoughts and our hearts. The Bible says He can even count the hairs on our head!
In a way this is scary! I like my privacy—a lot! If God know everything about me, He clearly knows all my faults, vulnerabilities, and sins.
But in another way, this is great news. As humans we desire to be known and loved by someone. The Bible tells us despite knowing everything about us, God still loves us! Jesus came as proof that God loves us just as we are and will forgive all the ways we fall short. Jesus came to help us know God more personally.
There are 8 billion people in the world. It is mind blowing to me, but God knows us all. The most beloved scripture is John 3:16.
But in another way, this is great news. As humans we desire to be known and loved by someone. The Bible tells us despite knowing everything about us, God still loves us! Jesus came as proof that God loves us just as we are and will forgive all the ways we fall short. Jesus came to help us know God more personally.
There are 8 billion people in the world. It is mind blowing to me, but God knows us all. The most beloved scripture is John 3:16.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Every once in a while, it might be good to let it sink in:
For God so loved (insert your name here) that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
I really hope you inserted your own name when you read it.
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