It is interesting in this quotation that the author asks for an "undivided heart" as opposed to the more commonly heard "pure" or "blameless" or "sinless" heart. It is, in my humble opinion indicative of the idea that a man may not have a pure heart, may even have a sinful heart, but that his gaze should still be on the King; this is a concept that stands in direct juxtaposition to the modern understanding that the hipster american church tends to fill young minds with which is "if you sin you aren't with God"; this verse seems to be saying that one can sin while still moving toward God at full speed.
In the same way that philosophical discussions on the trinity, the proper way to pray, or which denomination is most biblically sound are all just stuff and the focus of our hearts is Christ, at the heart of my life as a teacher are my charges, the students. The standards, the district, funding, everything else is just stuff that either enhances or hinders my ability to work with my students. While sometimes it is easy to get lost in the minutiae of lesson planning, of the day-to-day grind, the focus must always return to that which brought us to the profession: The Students.
Yes, all the other "stuff" that you mentioned certainly gets in the way of what is the most important about teaching. When one is a Christian I think the perspective changes a bit and our impact of touching other's lives becomes more of a service to God than a duty to our job. Never underestimate the impact you can have on others. You may not realize how important you are to your students. You may sometimes feel that you are only there to provide educationally for them. But the importance of a teacher's influence is so great. How you relate to your students will shape their day for bad or for good. If your heart is pure and open to change, then the students will shape your day, too. I guarantee you that if you take the time to pray for problem areas and even specific students from now until June, then you will see their failures shift into successes. Be committed,verbally communicative, involved, dependable and prayerful of their needs. Involve your heart in your work and you won't be disappointed.
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