Using my religious training at Atonement

I have spent nine years at Atonement Lutheran School. I started in Kindergarten and stayed through eighth grade. The most important training I have received from Atonement has no doubt been my religious training.

My media choices are influenced by my beliefs. I will use my religious training from Atonement to choose the music I will listen to, the tv shows and movies I watch, and how I spend my money. For example, when I see or hear things that are inappropriate or go against what God says, I will stop watching or listening to them. God’s gifts (such as music and tv) are misused when they glorify sin (mock God), serve false gods (Satan), and glorify sinful lusts and pleasures.  Music and tv can be used to spread the Gospel. Money can be used for good or for evil. Things are neither good nor bad, it is how we use them.

My first priority in life is to: seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. As a believer in Jesus, I am to use my time here to come to faith and share the love of Jesus. God created the world. Humankind’s role is to use and wisely manage it. God wants me to speak to others so that they can come to faith in Jesus. Therefore, whether at work or school I spread the gospel at every chance I get.

I know that Jesus loves me and is my friend even in hard times, especially when I lose, or a friend loses a loved one. I know that my hardships shape me. For example, when my Grandma Joyce, Grandma Jean and Grandma Kitty all died in the same year, it was sad but I knew they were with Jesus. Jesus’s life and death tell us that God understands hurt because he experienced it. God uses our hurts for the good of those who love him.

I will use my religious training from Atonement to help find a dating partner and eventually a spouse. Dating is a way to look for and find a spouse. I will avoid dating partners that might lead me away from God. I need someone with the same Christian beliefs and values as myself. Choosing another believer as my wife will make our future family followers of Christ and help us to spread the Gospel. Believing in Jesus leads me to think, speak, and act in a Christ like way. I want my family to believe and act the way Jesus did.

I am aware that I am a sinner, I will make mistakes. Only God knows my limitations and weaknesses. I am not only a sinner, but a Hell deserving and arrogant sinner. But Jesus is a great Savior. Christ lived a perfect life, died a sin removing death, and rose from the dead. Because of this, I know I am saved and am going to Heaven even though I myself am not perfect.

I am dead in sin. God makes me alive in Christ. Jesus gave us the priceless gift of salvation. It is our job as Christians to share this gift. Everyone on Earth does not know about Jesus and our great commission is to tell them so they can be forgiven too. Wouldn’t you want someone to share this good news with you too so you can go to Heaven? As a Christian, I want to tell as many people as I can especially my close friends and family. I want to see them in Heaven one day.

God wants us to wisely manage his gifts and do everything to His glory, not just to get more. I will seek God’s kingdom above all things and at every chance help other people to come to faith. I know that Jesus will always be with me and love me even in tough times. I will try to find a God-pleasing date partner and spouse. I know I will make mistakes along the road. I will never stray from the faith. God has made me alive through my faith. At every chance I get I will spread the Gospel. 

Cody - Grade 8