Thank God For Christian Education

The last two days I have been speaking in Michigan at a wonderful Christian Educator’s Convention. It has been a privilege to spend time with men and women who are giving their lives to help families as they seek to provide their children with a true Christian education. Tammy and I both had the joy of being a part of Christian schools and are grateful for the outstanding Christian academy the Lord has allowed our children to attend. I thank God for Christian education.

Christian education is undoubtedly more than Christian schools. It is done in the context of home and through the ministry of local churches. In the words of one of my mentors, Dr. Clarence Sexton, “Christian education cannot be confined to the classroom.”  True Christian education is synonymous with discipleship – it extends to every area of life and it is anchored in God.

Our goal is not graduates, it is followers of Christ. Christian education is education that is centered in Christ.

Christian education is not a phenomenon of the 1970’s or a passing fad. It is God’s way of transmitting truth and reproducing disciples in every generation.

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. (Psalm 78:4-7)

The great need of young people is not “common core” but “Christian core” teaching. Our curriculum is God’s praises, God’s strength, and God’s wonderful works. Education that is rooted in truth covers every discipline but is built on theology.

Do all you can to support the Christian education work of your local church. Encourage Christian educators. Work to provide a Christian education in the greatest classroom on earth – your own home. Thank God for Christian education.