While the above statement may at first seem rather harsh I challenge you to at least ponder the idea.
When we send our children off to a system that on average instructs them 7 hours a day why do we find it so surprising that our Christian culture and Godly heritage is rapidly changing? Or more accurately, disappearing? I've heard all the arguments. You can't or rather you shouldn't shelter your children, let your children be exposed to different ideas and different belief systems, different religions even. As long as you are teaching them correctly at home they'll be fine. Well, let's think about that logically. The average elementary school student spends 7 hours a day at school, IF they are not involved in an after school program or sports, etc. So that by the time the evening comes to a close the average parent will spend two hours with their child before it’s time for bed. These two hours include dinner, homework, daily chores and preparation for the next day. Where is the Biblical instruction? Then there's the weekend. Again the majority of families are so busy doing things and are involved in sports and various activities. Let's just call a spade a spade and admit that a significant amount of professing Christian's leave the religious instruction up to the church, the place their child spends the least amount of time. Really, this is tragic! Christian parents enroll their children in a secular school for 35 hours a week where most if not everything being taught contradicts what the Bible teaches. Those same parents maybe spend 14 hours a week one on one with those same kids (and that is being incredibly generous) and those same kids spend 4 hours a week in church IF they attend on both Sunday and Wednesday. You tell me... who's got the greater influence? The church, the parents or the school?
As the world becomes increasingly evil it is imperative that our children are familiar with the entire Bible, not just the cutesy Sunday school stories that frankly are taught more as fairy tales then factual events.
Let's be honest, how many parents spend time training and instructing their children in doctrine and theology when they're YOUNG. Don't tell me it's a waste of time! Don't tell me a 4 or 5 year old doesn't understand. I don't for a second buy that excuse! Don't blame your laziness on your child, they are capable of far more then we give them credit for. The law of the Lord is written on the heart of man, there is no age distinction! (Hebrews 8:10)
The Bible repeatedly tells parents that THEY are to train their children. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) "And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15) "You shall teach them (the commandments) diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals (between your eyes) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:7-9) "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word... Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against You." (Psalms 119:9-11) "My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching (law) of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about they will guide you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching (law) is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:20-23) "Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." (Proverbs 1:8) "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
It is clear that just from these few verses (there are many more) that parental instruction is not merely suggested, it's not "if you have time". NO! it is necessary, it is vital and ultimately it is a COMMAND from the Lord. "He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble." (Luke 17:1-2)
As a Christian parent, if you are not teaching and training your children in the ways that they should go, that is to say, if you are not instructing them in God's way, then you my friend are a stumbling block to your own child. What act could possibly be more unloving or despicable then to know the Scriptures, to know the law of the Lord, to know that God stores up wrath for the sinner yet extends grace and forgiveness to those who repent and trust in the salvific work of His Son Jesus Christ and not impress that truth into the heart of your own child! Woe to that parent!
As parents our greatest duty, our RESPONSIBILITY is to prepare our children for eternity. How do we do this? We do that by teaching them Scriptures from infancy. We teach them the value of Scripture. By faithfully, daily sharing the Gospel and the Salvation message with them. And know this, you CAN NOT teach your children adequately, or properly prepare them by only sharing half the Gospel, it won't make sense, it won't be reasonable and they will reject it. If you do not first teach your child that God is infinite, holy, and perfect and that we have sinned against Him and thus stored up wrath for ourselves then they will not see or understand the need for the Cross. You must teach your child that they are a sinner, that they are wretched, that they are fallen and carnal, and that apart from Christ all the good they ever aspire to will be seen as nothing less then filthy rags in the sight of God. (Isaiah 64:6) Teach your children they desperately need a Savior. Teach your children about heaven and hell. Teach your children the 10 commandments, and point out when they break them. Teach your children repentance and model this for them. Anything less would be a dangerous dereliction of duty.
I realize that this is not the popular opinion, even among Christian's. However I am not interested in making friends, my greatest concern lies in the final destination of the souls of my children.
If you told me 5 years ago, even 2 years ago that I would even so much as consider home schooling my children I would have suggested that you have a mental exam done the following morning. But then, in His glorious grace and mercy God saved me.
Now hang on, before you go scrolling down to find the place to leave a friendly comment, I'm not saying that if you are a Christian you must home school, nor am I saying that if a child is home schooled his or her parents are soundly saved because I know full well that is not the case either. What I am saying is that it is THE PARENTS responsibility to teach and train their children, and that anything else our children are taught should be checked against and compared to Scripture. You certainly will not find that to be the case in the public school system. And while I am fully aware that there are wonderful Christian teachers within the public school systems, (some of whom I am privileged to call friends) and that they work hard and effortlessly to be a light in the darkness, it is still not a place I am willing to send my children. I also acknowledge that there are parents out there who don't have the luxury of either the finances to be able to send their children to a Christian school (though I think there can be a danger there as well, we too easily see the word Christian and assume they are what they say they are when in fact they are horribly mangling scripture and teaching bad theology) or to stay home with them, I realize there are single parent families, that given the opportunity would love nothing more then to provide a Christian education for their children. I wonder though if some of those families were to be completely honest just aren't willing to make the sacrifice? If they are too caught up in materialism and things that they are convinced they need two incomes while they send their children off to battle contradicting information. In those cases it's just plain old selfishness, I know, that is why I said it was something I'd never do. I did not want my schedule, my life, my time, my space, my agenda encroached upon. I was the most selfish person you ever met. But then God saved me.
And now that Aidan is 5 years old and approaching kindergarten we have had to make some decisions regarding his education. Our first thought was a private Christian school, so we did a lot of research on the choices in our area and found a school very much in line with the theology and doctrine we hold to. However, at $600 a month tuition was outrageous! We continued to consider that option for a few months until we got news we could once again pick up V's adoption and pursue bringing him home. While God has provided Darren with a job that more than meets our needs, we are not at the place where we could finance both Aidan's education and V's adoption. So we were left with a choice, public or home school? Ultimately the choice was mine. And to be completely honest I did consider public school. It would be convenient, the school is right behind our house and the neighborhood is full of kids which would be instant playmates for Aidan. It's a great school; it's won the national blue ribbon award and a few others. My decision came down to an interview we had with the Principal. We had some very specific questions regarding creation, evolution, the presentation of homosexuality and student prayer and evangelism. Although the principal was nice and said that over 90% of her teachers were Christians and met once a week before school for prayer and Bible study I was very disappointed with the answers she gave. Creation is not taught, even as a theory. Evolutionary ideas are presented though not stressed. Homosexuality is really up to the teacher's discretion but they are permitted to read stories about Johnny having two mommies/daddies etc. and they by no means teach that it is wrong, sinful, shameful or abnormal, and it would be frowned upon if one child told another that lifestyle was wrong. The children are allowed to pray to themselves quietly, but of course it can not be encouraged. And as far as evangelism or children sharing their faith she never really gave an answer, she kind of hmmed and haaed which lead me to believe it wouldn't get nods of approval.
It really wasn't a hard decision at all, was I going to abdicate my responsibility to my son and send him into an environment that stands in direct opposition to everything we teach him at home? Was I willingly, when offered the alternative of staying home and teaching him myself going to subject him to a system that would defy the Word of God that we hold fast as absolute truth? No. I could not in good conscious send him into such a place. Period. End of discussion.
When we send our children off to a system that on average instructs them 7 hours a day why do we find it so surprising that our Christian culture and Godly heritage is rapidly changing? Or more accurately, disappearing? I've heard all the arguments. You can't or rather you shouldn't shelter your children, let your children be exposed to different ideas and different belief systems, different religions even. As long as you are teaching them correctly at home they'll be fine. Well, let's think about that logically. The average elementary school student spends 7 hours a day at school, IF they are not involved in an after school program or sports, etc. So that by the time the evening comes to a close the average parent will spend two hours with their child before it’s time for bed. These two hours include dinner, homework, daily chores and preparation for the next day. Where is the Biblical instruction? Then there's the weekend. Again the majority of families are so busy doing things and are involved in sports and various activities. Let's just call a spade a spade and admit that a significant amount of professing Christian's leave the religious instruction up to the church, the place their child spends the least amount of time. Really, this is tragic! Christian parents enroll their children in a secular school for 35 hours a week where most if not everything being taught contradicts what the Bible teaches. Those same parents maybe spend 14 hours a week one on one with those same kids (and that is being incredibly generous) and those same kids spend 4 hours a week in church IF they attend on both Sunday and Wednesday. You tell me... who's got the greater influence? The church, the parents or the school?
As the world becomes increasingly evil it is imperative that our children are familiar with the entire Bible, not just the cutesy Sunday school stories that frankly are taught more as fairy tales then factual events.
Let's be honest, how many parents spend time training and instructing their children in doctrine and theology when they're YOUNG. Don't tell me it's a waste of time! Don't tell me a 4 or 5 year old doesn't understand. I don't for a second buy that excuse! Don't blame your laziness on your child, they are capable of far more then we give them credit for. The law of the Lord is written on the heart of man, there is no age distinction! (Hebrews 8:10)
The Bible repeatedly tells parents that THEY are to train their children. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) "And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15) "You shall teach them (the commandments) diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals (between your eyes) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:7-9) "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word... Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against You." (Psalms 119:9-11) "My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching (law) of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about they will guide you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching (law) is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:20-23) "Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." (Proverbs 1:8) "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
It is clear that just from these few verses (there are many more) that parental instruction is not merely suggested, it's not "if you have time". NO! it is necessary, it is vital and ultimately it is a COMMAND from the Lord. "He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble." (Luke 17:1-2)
As a Christian parent, if you are not teaching and training your children in the ways that they should go, that is to say, if you are not instructing them in God's way, then you my friend are a stumbling block to your own child. What act could possibly be more unloving or despicable then to know the Scriptures, to know the law of the Lord, to know that God stores up wrath for the sinner yet extends grace and forgiveness to those who repent and trust in the salvific work of His Son Jesus Christ and not impress that truth into the heart of your own child! Woe to that parent!
As parents our greatest duty, our RESPONSIBILITY is to prepare our children for eternity. How do we do this? We do that by teaching them Scriptures from infancy. We teach them the value of Scripture. By faithfully, daily sharing the Gospel and the Salvation message with them. And know this, you CAN NOT teach your children adequately, or properly prepare them by only sharing half the Gospel, it won't make sense, it won't be reasonable and they will reject it. If you do not first teach your child that God is infinite, holy, and perfect and that we have sinned against Him and thus stored up wrath for ourselves then they will not see or understand the need for the Cross. You must teach your child that they are a sinner, that they are wretched, that they are fallen and carnal, and that apart from Christ all the good they ever aspire to will be seen as nothing less then filthy rags in the sight of God. (Isaiah 64:6) Teach your children they desperately need a Savior. Teach your children about heaven and hell. Teach your children the 10 commandments, and point out when they break them. Teach your children repentance and model this for them. Anything less would be a dangerous dereliction of duty.
I realize that this is not the popular opinion, even among Christian's. However I am not interested in making friends, my greatest concern lies in the final destination of the souls of my children.
If you told me 5 years ago, even 2 years ago that I would even so much as consider home schooling my children I would have suggested that you have a mental exam done the following morning. But then, in His glorious grace and mercy God saved me.
Now hang on, before you go scrolling down to find the place to leave a friendly comment, I'm not saying that if you are a Christian you must home school, nor am I saying that if a child is home schooled his or her parents are soundly saved because I know full well that is not the case either. What I am saying is that it is THE PARENTS responsibility to teach and train their children, and that anything else our children are taught should be checked against and compared to Scripture. You certainly will not find that to be the case in the public school system. And while I am fully aware that there are wonderful Christian teachers within the public school systems, (some of whom I am privileged to call friends) and that they work hard and effortlessly to be a light in the darkness, it is still not a place I am willing to send my children. I also acknowledge that there are parents out there who don't have the luxury of either the finances to be able to send their children to a Christian school (though I think there can be a danger there as well, we too easily see the word Christian and assume they are what they say they are when in fact they are horribly mangling scripture and teaching bad theology) or to stay home with them, I realize there are single parent families, that given the opportunity would love nothing more then to provide a Christian education for their children. I wonder though if some of those families were to be completely honest just aren't willing to make the sacrifice? If they are too caught up in materialism and things that they are convinced they need two incomes while they send their children off to battle contradicting information. In those cases it's just plain old selfishness, I know, that is why I said it was something I'd never do. I did not want my schedule, my life, my time, my space, my agenda encroached upon. I was the most selfish person you ever met. But then God saved me.
And now that Aidan is 5 years old and approaching kindergarten we have had to make some decisions regarding his education. Our first thought was a private Christian school, so we did a lot of research on the choices in our area and found a school very much in line with the theology and doctrine we hold to. However, at $600 a month tuition was outrageous! We continued to consider that option for a few months until we got news we could once again pick up V's adoption and pursue bringing him home. While God has provided Darren with a job that more than meets our needs, we are not at the place where we could finance both Aidan's education and V's adoption. So we were left with a choice, public or home school? Ultimately the choice was mine. And to be completely honest I did consider public school. It would be convenient, the school is right behind our house and the neighborhood is full of kids which would be instant playmates for Aidan. It's a great school; it's won the national blue ribbon award and a few others. My decision came down to an interview we had with the Principal. We had some very specific questions regarding creation, evolution, the presentation of homosexuality and student prayer and evangelism. Although the principal was nice and said that over 90% of her teachers were Christians and met once a week before school for prayer and Bible study I was very disappointed with the answers she gave. Creation is not taught, even as a theory. Evolutionary ideas are presented though not stressed. Homosexuality is really up to the teacher's discretion but they are permitted to read stories about Johnny having two mommies/daddies etc. and they by no means teach that it is wrong, sinful, shameful or abnormal, and it would be frowned upon if one child told another that lifestyle was wrong. The children are allowed to pray to themselves quietly, but of course it can not be encouraged. And as far as evangelism or children sharing their faith she never really gave an answer, she kind of hmmed and haaed which lead me to believe it wouldn't get nods of approval.
It really wasn't a hard decision at all, was I going to abdicate my responsibility to my son and send him into an environment that stands in direct opposition to everything we teach him at home? Was I willingly, when offered the alternative of staying home and teaching him myself going to subject him to a system that would defy the Word of God that we hold fast as absolute truth? No. I could not in good conscious send him into such a place. Period. End of discussion.
Very well thought out and presented. We are blessed to have a wonderful school attached with our church where the BIBLE and our churches teachings are presented everyday - but everyone doesn't have that!
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