My son has been struggling with lying lately. It’s heartbreaking. A situation occurred recently where I wanted to believe him so badly, but my trust in him was so weak that I just couldn’t do it. His feelings were so hurt, and my heart just broke. It’s a character flaw and we are working very hard to correct it.

This same son is the one that prays so freely and openly. He’s aware of his shortcomings, and he prays, fervently, for the Lord to change his ways. The same son that breaks my heart with his lies, is an example for me when it comes to his trust in the only One who can give him the help that he needs to fix it.

Our students, while young, are not immune to the struggle of sin. They are tempted, daily, to turn from God. It’s important to take these sins seriously. One of our jobs as Christian educators is to help our students recognize these sins and take them to the Lord for forgiveness and strength to turn from them.

While lying might not be my struggle, I could list several other sins that are. I bet you could too.

Without God, we are defeated. But friends, we are not without God.

When we feel like we have lost and that the temptation is too great, remember that we have Jesus on our side. He has already won the battle. Nothing, no temptation is too hard for him. In fact, he’s been in the same situation before. Yet unlike us, he never once stumbled or gave in to temptation. He was everything we are not and cannot be. His sin-free life was lived so that he could die as a sacrifice to pay for our sins.

That same Savior from the consequences of our sins also shows us how we too can face temptation. With his empowering forgiveness, sin no longer rules over us. We too can say “No. Away from me, Satan!” We can use that same command and know that we are not alone in the struggle.

My son does not need to battle his sin alone. Your students do not need to feel like their struggle is too great. Help them be aware of their sin and then show them their Savior. Lead them to the cross where he defeated the enemy and came out the Champion.

I continually pray for my son to stay in the way of the Lord. I pray he stays close to Jesus all the days of his life. I am sure that you pray that same prayer for your students. Continue to pray that prayer. Sin will constantly be knocking on their door, but they are not alone. The Champion is on their side.