The ABC’s for 2021
By Lisa Bernier
The year 2020 is nearly over. It was definitely one for the books! Only a cursory look around our American culture will tell you that there is a significant spiritual battle raging for the hearts and souls of our nation. While we may not know what changes will be happening in our schools and education in 2021, we do know that God is on his throne and we are still here; therefore, our calling has not ended. It’s not time to fear or shrink back. If God still has you where he placed you, He expects you to stand for Him right where you are. Here are the ABCs for 2021:
Armor up
There are plenty of mandates to “mask up” during this pandemic. But for God’s people, it is even more important to armor up. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he states, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” In what area of the spiritual disciplines do you need to make more of an effort this year? Prayer? Study? Stewardship? Meditation on the Word? Service? Unless we are armed, we will never be any good on the spiritual battlefield.
Be fully committed
II Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” King Asa had relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD, even though he had plenty of evidence that God would be his supply in all situations. Even good, God-fearing people waver in their faith. Resolve this year to place your full commitment to the cause of Christ in your calling. Ask the LORD to show you where you have not been fully committed and give your all to Him.
Cast away distractions
Paul’s admonition in Hebrews 12:1 is to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” From the pandemic to the election and everything in between, social media and television have consumed more eye-straining hours than can be counted. If we’re going to be useful to the LORD in this current season, we have to focus our minds on Him and His Word. Because we are Christ’s ambassadors in our schools, we must watch what we see, sow, and speak.
Whether you are a Christian educator in a public or charter school or a Christian or private school, you are there as a soldier on the front lines of this battle. As you say “goodbye and good riddance” to 2020, make sure you go into 2021 with your armor up, being fully committed, and ready to cast away distractions. This is not a one-time New Year’s resolution; it is a 365-day spiritual discipline.
Dr. Lisa Bernier is now in her 35th year as an educator. During this time, she has served as a teacher and administrator in district, charter, virtual charter, and private Christian schools in regular education, special education, and ESL. Dr. Bernier developed a unique special education resource and inclusion program at a private Christian high school. She has also served on numerous ACSI and Cognia accreditation teams over the past 12 years. Her life goals are to help train, equip, and encourage the next generation of education professionals.
Dr. Bernier and her husband have four adult children and four grandchildren. They live near the White Tanks Mountains and enjoy the Arizona outdoors very much. She and her husband are also active members of their church.
Thank you Dr. Bernier for this timely gift. May the Lord bless you and all who listen to this wisdom. Hello 2021!
Dear Dr. Bernier,
Congrats on 35 years in education! I’m in my 29th, all in NC, but not consecutive as a special education teacher. My retirement dream, hopefully within 4 years, is to teach a Bible-Based reading program part time in our local projects and rural areas. Or, perhaps work in our local Christian schools especially after all this restrictive service in public schools. Please send more information or a link about your inclusion program. I am totally intrigued!
Thank you for these very meaningful ABC’s!
Good word Dr. Bernier. Thanks.
M. Hicks