Guardians of faith.
The biblical imperative for Christian parents is to raise their children to follow Jesus. The fact that parents have this duty should never be questioned. Every Christian parent must raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). So, any discussion about Christian education should begin not with what school the children should attend but with how the parents will be primarily accountable for their children’s instruction.
The biblical imperative for Christian parents is to raise their children to follow Jesus. Share on XAre you wondering about your child’s educational options? Conversations about our children’s education sometimes skip the part about the parents’ responsibility to impress the Scriptures on their children (Deuteronomy 6:7). Yes, talk about the advantages or disadvantages of educating a child in a public, Christian, or homeschooled environment, but recognize it’s secondary to God assigning you the primary responsibility to teach your child how to live for Jesus in a sin-infected world.
Don’t neglect God’s calling to “direct your children onto the right path” Proverbs 22:6 (NLT). Do the moral values taught in public schools concern you? Are you worried about the direct and indirect ways non-Christian teachers indoctrinate children with a secular worldview? Is your child’s safety a niggling thought in the back of your mind? When school textbooks support evolution or sex education promotes LGBTQ beliefs, how does this sit with you? These are pressing questions. How you address them educationally reflects your commitment to nurturing your child’s faith.
An essential role.
You may not have the resources or financial means to choose one form of formal education over another, but you must take the primary role of teaching your child a biblical worldview. You can’t outsource your parental obligations. If your children attend a public school, actively engage with their learning, connect with their teachers, and critically evaluate the curriculum. If your children attend a Christian school, your involvement and input on learning and theological issues remain crucial. In a homeschooling environment, teach your children about different philosophical views and arm them to defend themselves against worldly opposition to the Christian faith.
In every sphere and stage of your child’s education, equip them to use the Word as the benchmark of truth. Share on XThe essential role of parents in children’s education can never be understated. In every sphere and stage of your child’s education, equip them to use the Word as the benchmark of truth. Encourage them to pray earnestly, ask critical questions, act wisely, trust God (Psalm 78:7), and serve Him wholeheartedly. While your instruction doesn’t ensure their conversion (something only the Holy Spirit can accomplish), establish a solid foundation by teaching accepted doctrine, explaining Christian beliefs, leading them to Jesus, and modelling how to love and pursue Him.
Parenting doesn’t have a “That was easy!” push button. “Be on guard! Be alert!” Mark 13:33. Your choices today influence your children for the rest of their lives. So, be biblically mindful, Christ-centred and Spirit-led as you teach your children about God and how to navigate the narrow road that leads to life (Matthew 7:14).
We value your input. Please share your views about the essential role of parents in children’s education.
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Summary
This article emphasizes the biblical mandate for Christian parents to be involved in their children’s education, urging parents to prioritize raising children in faith over debates about public, Christian, or homeschooling. Parents bear primary responsibility for teaching children a biblical worldview (Deuteronomy 6:7) and preparing them to navigate a sin-influenced world. It encourages critical engagement with school curriculums, regardless of the educational environment, and highlights the importance of faith-based conversations. By focusing on spiritual development, parents can guide children to trust God (Psalm 78:7) and live biblically. Answering parents’ questions about “faith-based education choices,” “raising children in faith,” or “home school vs public school” will help parents recognize their bigger role in their children’s education.
© Scripture Union, 2024
