For some children, this month can be their least favorite month of the year. For one thing, at the beginning of September many families close down their pools. It is also often the month when school starts. I imagine a few kids—and teachers—are already missing summer.

Children often dislike school. What’s the reason for that? For one thing, they never get paid, so it is easy to see school as a hassle. As a Christian, however, a young person can see their role as a student as a vocation.

Vocations are roles that God has placed us in for the purpose of serving our neighbors. We can easily see a parent or teacher as having vocations, since they often help children. Martin Luther also teaches that being a child or a student is itself a vocation. In the Small Catechism’s Table of Duties, there are responsibilities listed for both youth and students.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and your mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1–3

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5–6