6 Ways to Promote Biblical Thinking in Your Classroom

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. (Philippians 4:8)

The classroom is the perfect setting to instill in our students the importance of dwelling on the good and praiseworthy. The six strategies that follow provide practical ways to create a Philippians 4:8 culture.

1. Promote positive thinking. It is easy for students to become discouraged at different stages of their learning journey. Encourage a growth mindset amid a challenging unit by teaching students to identify those things they have done well. This exercise can motivate students to work through rough patches, fostering resilience and developing a positive attitude toward learning.
2. Create a respectful environment. By emphasizing the “honorable,” you can help students focus on kindness and respect as you create opportunities for them to provide each other mutual support. A respectful environment is an environment in which all students feel valued.
3. Set high expectations for integrity. Encourage students to think about what is “true,” and set your standards high in this regard. By doing so, you will help create a culture of honesty and integrity that moves beyond academics, inspiring students to consider integrity in all areas of their lives.
4. Cultivate appreciation for creativity and beauty. The terms lovely and excellent can be used to describe not only the fine arts but also God’s handiwork, as seen in the sciences and mathematics and in the incredible gift of language that he bestowed upon each of us. By planning each unit with a biblical foundation, discussion of these lovely and excellent gifts will flow organically throughout your lessons.
5. Encourage critical reflection. Paul compels us to “think about these things.” Teaching your students how to reflect on their day—whether that be the choices they made, the effort they put into their work, or their approach to learning—and then giving them time to do so can build critical-thinking skills and mindfulness about their choices.
6. Highlight positive role models. Emphasize men and women in the Bible, throughout history, and in our present time who have worked with excellence and who have accomplished things that are praiseworthy according to the standards of God’s Word. This habit provides your students with role models other than those that popular culture pushes on them every day.

Making Philippians 4:8 a foundational truth in the classroom will enrich learning and will provide students with tools that they can use throughout their lives.