Examining Your Faith

What are summers for?  

Everyone knows that one of the perks of teaching is that we get our summers “off.” If you are a teacher, however, you know that is only partially true. Most of us still have days, or at least moments, where we still plan and think about what our new school year will be like. That aside, though, we teachers know that summer often feels like a long-awaited exhale. Teaching keeps us busy, and the 8 weeks or so of summer break gives us all time to visit family and friends, go on vacation, and schedule all of our appointments that we can’t get to during the school year. But what else should we consider during our time off? 

Our break in the summer is not just about taking time to rest, but it is also a great time for us to ignite our faith, dive deeper into God’s Word, and align our hearts with His truth. Recently, I have had a desire to move closer to God, and I thought I would use this summer as a time to share with you some of what I receive from the Word during my own time off, which I decided to call, “Faith on Fire: Summer Renewal.” 

I think that the best place to begin our renewal is by examining where we stand with the Lord right now, at this moment. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Corinth:

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” – 2 Corinthians 13:5

As teachers who are followers, I believe that we’re called to something deeper during this season of rest—spiritual growth and renewal that realigns our hearts with God. 

The Call to Self-Examination

Paul’s inspired words in 2 Corinthians 13:5 aren’t a casual suggestion—they’re a challenge. To “examine yourselves” means to look honestly at your heart, your actions, and your faith. Are you truly living as one who has “Jesus Christ in you”? Teaching is a calling that demands selflessness, but, as with any job that requires service to others, it can also leave us spiritually depleted. The demands of the classroom in combination with the other demands of life can pull us away from time in God’s Word or prayer, leaving us running on empty.

Summertime offers us a unique gift: time. With fewer obligations, we can spend more time in the Word of God and reflecting on our own relationship with Him. Is my faith as vibrant as it once was? Am I trusting God in every area of my life? Am I reflecting Christ to my students, colleagues, and family? This kind of introspection isn’t about guilt—it’s about growth. It’s about ensuring our foundation is solid so that we are spiritually strong enough to pour into others. 

Refreshing in the Lord

Rest is essential, but true rest comes from the Lord. Here are three practical ways that we can all grow in the Lord and His Word this summer: 

1. Dive Deeper into Scripture
   Summertime is a chance to stay longer in God’s Word. Instead of rushing through a quick devotional, set aside time to engage in serious study. Take note of how the Holy Spirit brings the Scriptures alive to you as you take time to meditate on the Word. Consider reading through the Psalms or the Gospels to reconnect with God’s promises and Christ’s example. Read the wisdom in the Proverbs. As teachers, we know the value of study and preparation. Studying the Word and preparing our hearts through Scripture equips us for the challenges we face every day. 

2. Prioritize Prayer
   Prayer is our lifeline to God, yet it’s often the first thing we let slide when we get busy. Use this summer to rekindle your prayer life. Start and end your day with prayer. It doesn’t have to be a certain length or a certain amount of time. But times like this, when your schedule may not be as demanding, is a great time to establish, or reestablish, a habit of communicating with God. Ask God to reveal areas where your faith needs strengthening. Pray for your students, your school, and pray that your own heart is aligned with His will. 

3. Reflect and Realign
   The call to “test yourselves” invites us to look at our lives through God’s lens. Take time to reflect on your walk with Christ. Are there habits, attitudes, or distractions pulling you away from Him? Maybe it’s unforgiveness, worry, or a reliance on your own strength – it could be anything that takes your attention away from total surrender to the Lord. Summertime is a chance to realign your priorities with God’s Word. 

A Season of Renewal

After 190 days (or whatever your number) of pouring into others, summertime gives us a great chance to be refilled. But don’t settle for a shallow summer of naps and Netflix (though those have their place!). Let this be a season of spiritual renewal, where you examine your faith and rediscover the joy in the relationship that you have with Christ. That is the key to facing every challenge in and out of the classroom. 

As 2 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us, our faith isn’t something to profess, then put on the back burner—it’s something to test, nurture, and strengthen. So, this summer, take time to read more, pray more, and seek God’s truth. Let the Lord refresh your spirit, align your heart, and prepare you to be who He has called you to be!

Reflection Question:

What’s one way you’ll examine your faith this summer? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more ways to ignite your faith in the weeks ahead!

May your summer be a season of rest, reflection, and renewed faith in Christ.

Prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,  and lead me in the way everlasting. – Amen” (Psalm 139:23-24)