Luke Paiva has a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. from The University of Tennessee Knoxville, and is currently working on his MDiv through Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been married for sixteen years to his wife Johannah, and has four children – Jack, Benjamin, Lucy, and Grace. He began his career teaching high school English and has returned to the classroom after a decade in law enforcement. He currently teaches Biblical Studies at a Christian high school in Nashville, TN.
Do you long for your students to know the light burden and easy yoke of Christ in Matthew 11? Teach teenagers to run to Christ, to see him on the cross, and hear him declare to them: “It is finished.”
It is only through identity in Christ that the “do not cheat” can be an act of loving God, not just a Christianized metric of performance and approval.
The greatest hope he offers parents of unbelieving children is the revelation of his character through his promises to save the lost.
In Christ we rely not upon our strength or accomplishments, but rather his truth, righteousness, and gospel peace.
Romance isn’t the highest form of love. Christ’s full giving of himself to redeem those who were dead in their sins and trespasses, receiving nothing in return, is the highest form of love. Every form of love, even romantic love, is to find its source in that truth.
So, what do you say in the midst of this aching world when your children are reeling (and so are you)? You proclaim the hope and glory of God. You tell yourself and your family the truth.
