World Peace And Lessons From First Grade

Our world needs peace. Here are lessons from first grade we all should remember. These lessons are best said in the Bible.

You may not know this about me, but I am a newshound! World events fascinate me. I think I could probably run the world so much better than most of today’s leaders. It’s simple, really. I know this because I was a first-grade teacher. Believe me, if you can teach first grade, you can probably do almost anything! Before a leader step onto the world’s stage, I think they should have to repeat first grade, at least once!

There are lots of things we learn in first grade that would be extremely useful to them. I think most of them have forgotten these elemental things, like getting along with others, always telling the whole truth, sharing, waiting your turn, not being dishonest, following the rules, being part of the group, managing anger, not being selfish, and all the consequences of not following the rules.

I loved teaching first grade. When people ask, “What do you do (as in for a living)”? I would reply, “I work where 25 people love me all day long!”

First Grade Lessons

In first grade, there is no reason to cry. Did you know that? In first grade, we can fix almost anything! If a little one came to me teary-eyed, I would say, “Don’t worry. We can fix that together, and you will be fine by the time you get married!”

In first grade, you want to be part of the group. In first grade, you should feel safe. If you mess up in first grade, you get another chance to make it right and get cheered on while doing that! In first grade, you are loved. Or at least you should be!

The flip side is that you are not allowed to hurt anyone in first grade. If you throw your crayons, toys, or books, they are taken away from you so you won’t hurt yourself or others. You may not say bad things to another person. If you are mean, you must sit outside the group until you feel better about things and can control yourself. Then, you are welcomed back in with open arms and probably a hug!

In first grade, if you broke the rules, the punishment was swift and appropriate and then discussed, in that order. After that, you had a chance to make things right (with a caring teacher’s help). And THEN, you were allowed back into the group.

In first grade, you experience the wonder of learning and succeeding to the best of your ability. You learn how to navigate a world that does not revolve around you.

First grade can be messy, loud, and disorganized, just like life. But in first grade, you begin to learn how to process out the “noise” and stay on track.

There are a whole lot of life lessons in first grade!

Lessons From The Bible

First grade reminds me of a beautiful verse in the bible…

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

This is an excellent lesson for first graders, world leaders, and everyone in between!

True Peace

Word peace in the Bible verse above is SHALOM. It’s the idea of being whole, with nothing missing. It’s the idea of being perfect and stable and filled up in every aspect of your life—physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, relationally, and on and on.

It’s the idea of living in the security of wholeness and well-being. God tells us to strive for a life that reflects wellness and wholeness. God and only God can give us that kind of peace. Shalom peace is a gift from God so that we can live in peace with everyone.

An Excellent Biblical Lesson

Here’s what else Romans 12 has to say about living a life of peace with those around us…

Bless those who bless you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind as one another, do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live a peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God. For it is written, vengeance is mine, I will prepay,”says the Lord.

The nuggets of these Words of Truth are lessons I taught in first grade. Too bad I could not read them straight out of the Bible. We needed the Bible then and even more now!

Repeating First Grade

Yes, repeating first grade might be good not only for our leaders but for many of us, too! Too bad we can’t go back to first grade.

But God has wonderful rudimentary Truths He wants us to learn. His word, the Bible, is filled to overflowing with them! Lessons that will help us in our journey through life. Lessons, when read and learned and applied to our lives, will give us the PEACE we all need and want!

Maybe our leaders don’t have to go back to first grade. Maybe they just need to read and learn the Bible!