While our God-given abilities control what we are able to do, our attitudes regulate what we do and how well we do it. Every classroom has students who have the ability to achieve better than they do.
Good attitudes are Scriptural. Ephesians 4:22-23 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Along with developing good attitudes, the Christian teacher also has the opportunity to teach righteousness, as well as the privilege to help mold their faith and understanding of God's sufficiency.
The attitude creates in us a mindset of my mind is open; I am ready to learn from my teachers and classes. When a good relationship exists between the teacher and students, students are then more likely to want to learn. The master teacher fosters rapport with a warm and caring personality, be fair and reasonable in their requirements, and apply grace while using the best teaching practices and methods. Good teaching creates a desire to learn and an expectation for SUCCESS.
Successful students expect to succeed. According to Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Students who trust their teacher will ask for help. Students who trust God will ask for His help and thank Him for the successes He sends. God enables us to do whatever He wants us to do. Students sometimes will experience failure. ALL involved (student, parents, and teacher) evaluate the reason(s), make corrections when possible, have reasonable expectations and set realistic goals for each child.
It is said that nothing succeeds like success. Teachers help students expect success when they give tasks at which students can succeed.
God instructs us to be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). We must choose to be diligent and ask God for His help. Successful students are determined, diligent, and work hard. Personal study habits affect diligence.
Some students have difficulty achieving in line with their abilities because they are contending with distracting problems. Dealing with life's pressures always impacts a student’s ability to learn. Learning is easier when students have a good home environment where problems are analyzed so they can be understood and practical steps for solutions are identified and implemented.
The best source of peace and calmness is a right relationship with God — love Him, submit to Him as supreme, and accept what He sends into our lives. That relationship comes through studying God's Word, praying, and asking for God's help. Many Scripture passages give instruction and promises of success. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to trust and promises that God will guide. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Philippians 4:4, 6-7, and 11 deal with joy, worry, peace, and contentment. "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Not that I speak in respect of want for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
This is my adaptation of an article that can be found at