What is your primary desire for your children? I think the way you answer this question determines your worldview.
Many people will say they want their child to be happy, or they want them to be successful in life or a number of different variables of this sort.
Then the other worldview is parents that desire their children to be saved. Perhaps these things are not mutually exclusive. As a Believer I want my child to experience happiness, but I would rather them experience joy. I want my child to be successful but what does success really mean? Does that mean financially or some other manners of what looks like worldly achievement?
Even in the world of Christianity most parents have a very strong desire for this type of thinking. They want their kids to get good grades so they can go to a good college and get a good job. But where does this lead them?
Does a good job provide lots of money to spend on things you “need”? I say that sarcastically.
In Kevin Swanson’s study of Proverbs He says “Over the last one hundred years in this country as well as in Europe, North America, and Asia the birth rate fell by half, while the average square footage of homes doubled in size. Evidently, the modern world has come to appreciate drywall more than children!”
I’ve been there, I understand that thinking.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your hose and on your gates.
These words which I command you today… For me this is strikingly clear. God has spoken and I must consider this a directive from the LORD. Not a maybe, or if you feel like it, but a clear and concise call to parent with all diligence my children.
It’s pretty easy to go through the rest of this and come to the conclusion that God is telling us is that our children are to spend the majority of their time under our supervision. I didn’t notice any exemptions, like you don’t need to worry about them when they are at their friend’s house, or when they go to public school. Doesn’t Proverbs 13:20 warn us about who they should spend their time with?
I realize there is going to be pushback when I make this declaration. Our worldview is challenged by this statement. My worldview was challenged by this statement.
God gives us direction for our own good doesn’t He?
Deuteronomy 6:11-14 …–when you have eaten and are full—then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage… 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you…
We are a people on the earth that are full and we live in beautiful houses. How easy it is to chase after the gods of this world. We have been indoctrinated to believe that our children’s education must be left to the professionals, when God says “No”; I want you to do that.
Is home-education better by a worldly standard? Actually it is, How American Homeschoolers measure up, but this should not be the primary reason. My goal is training my children first and foremost in the “training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Teaching them to Fear the Lord and understand His goodness and righteousness in hope that He will grant them repentance.
I must also do this in light of the gospel. If I don’t train their hearts to understand the gospel I will only train little Pharisees. Proper education includes a healthy dose of their separation from a Holy God and also the remedy that He came to seek and save them and they must turn from their sin in faith and repentance.
This is the gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ did the work. He paid the price to reconcile sinful man to a Holy God. Is Home-education a better option for your child? I believe it is but not for the reason most people think it is. It’s better because we have an opportunity to teach them diligently all day long without the destructive influences of a socialist institution that despises God.
May the Lord grant mercy as He shows us His design for education.
Kevin
Uncommon Faith 