I was working on something for you that was all about the tough first weeks of school. Then came the tragic news of Charlie Kirk being shot. And like most people, it’s got me thinking. 

Whether you knew a bit about him or had never heard his name before, you’ve probably heard about him now. Charlie was very vocal about what he stood for. He was completely unashamed of the Gospel of Christ, he gave God the glory for everything in his life, and his mission was young people. He was murdered minutes after proclaiming salvation’s story to a group of 3,000 people. 

We are commanded as Christians to share the Gospel. No, we aren’t all called to speak to thousands. And we aren’t all called to be martyrs. So it should be easy for us right? But we’re all guilty of failing to speak up for Jesus. In the last few days, the question looping in my brain is, “At this point in my life, who am I telling about salvation? Who am I challenging to live for God?” We all need to answer that question, and continue to ask ourselves that throughout life. 

Right now you stand in front of a group of children five days out of the week. You are their school teacher. You are trusted to teach them reading, writing, and arithmetic. But more importantly, you are trusted to teach them about God. Not only in the words you say during devotions, but in how you live out the day. You are a missionary to young people. Your time to be a light is now. 

Take a minute and think back to your childhood. Who was your hero? Who took time for you and was there for you when life was tough? Who inspired you to follow Christ? You can be that for others. You have an opportunity to be that example to your students every day. 

Don’t be afraid to bring God into the conversation. Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel that rescued you. Live a life that proves the joy of being a Christian. Be the proof that Jesus changes lives. Your students will see what God means to you. 

You don’t have to touch thousands of lives. But you will affect the live of those in your classroom. You can be someone they never want to be like. Or you can be the reason they decide to follow Jesus. Take the opportunity to teach more than an education. Teach what it is to be Christian. 

So go. Be a light. “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example.” (1 Timothy 4:12a ESV) You have a calling. Be a light to those who follow.