What’s In Your Backpack?

It’s back to school season. It reminds me of the classic movie You’ve Got Mail, when Tom Hanks writes: “Don’t you love New York in the Fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”

The stores are now filled with school supplies, Amazon Wish Lists have been created by teachers, and it won’t be long before parents begin to shop for children’s school supplies. Some supplies are predictable, like pencils, crayons, and glue sticks, while others may surprise you, like ear buds, Q-tips, or craft supplies. What will be in your child’s backpack this school year?

As we consider what our children must take to school, let’s explore a creative way to use school supply shopping to teach your kids about God. Many of our children carry their newly purchased school supplies to class in a backpack. Imagine if the items listed in Galatians 5 (which many people know as the Fruit of the Spirit) were things that our kids could carry to school in their backpack each day.

You may be familiar with the Fruit of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Here is a kid-friendly explanation of what the Fruit of the Spirit looks like in action:

Love: Caring for the good of others according to what Jesus taught.

Joy: Being happy, excited, and enjoying life.

Peace: Staying away from fights or arguments; feeling a state of calm.

Patience: Wait your turn, take your time, and don’t rush. Be patient with yourself and with others.

Kindness: Treat other people with love. Use nice words, help others, and share when you can.

Goodness: Doing the right thing; showing kindness and compassion for others.

Faithfulness: Do what you say you will do. Keep your promises, especially to follow Jesus forever.

Gentleness: Be soft with others, using words and actions that are kind.

Self-Control: Think about what you say or do before acting on it.

Try This: Read through Galatians 5:19-24 with your child. Then discuss what goes in their backpack that isn’t a school supply. Pray together for God’s help to carry the Fruit of the Spirit into every classroom, hallway, and playground this school year.