Christ-Centered Learning: Educating in Worship and Wisdom

Is It Worth It?

Every person involved in Christian education (from parent to faculty) must answer the question, is Christian education really "worth it"? Are the finances you will invest as a parent "worth it"? Is the education "worth it"? Is the atmosphere "worth it"? As a faculty member, is the pay cut "worth it"? As a Christian school leader and parent I have wrestled with that question; and as my own children are now entering adulthood I am more convinced than ever that Christian school is essential.

Being a product of a Christian K-12 school and training my own children in our K-8 Christian school, I see the significant difference an education with a Biblical worldview makes. As I have stated previously, I do not believe Christian school is meant to be a place to hide from the world; but it should be a place to raise up young thinkers who will make a in their world. In order to form these young leaders we need Christian education.

Christian education may look different based on the community or home, but every Christian family needs to adopt some form of a strategic Christ-centered education for their family. Ephesians 6:4 tells us, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (ESV). This verse tells us that it is our responsibility to "bring them up" or to "nourish out (up) to maturity" (J. Thayer) in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Our job as parents is to provide an education that provides a maturing and training in the Lord's instructions. Paul gives this instruction to fathers in Ephesians not as a suggestion, but as guidance for parenting. 

Educating in Worship and Wisdom

It is our responsibility to properly educate our children with a Biblical worldview. To do this, we must educate for both wisdom and worship. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (ESV).

Throughout the Bible wisdom is seen as a prize and something to be desired. Proverbs 8:11 tells us "wisdom is better than jewels", Proverbs 16:16 tells us it is "better to get wisdom than gold", and we are told that King Solomon had more wisdom than anyone else in his time (1 Kings 4:29-34). Wisdom is something to be highly valued, as it will guide us throughout our lives. And it is definitely something that education prioritizes. But what wisdom are our children receiving?

James 3:17 says, "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (ESV). Godly wisdom is pure, bring peace, reasons with others, displays mercy and good fruit, and is authentic. This is the wisdom we are instructed to provide for our children. And, as Proverbs 9:10 says, this only begins with the fear of the Lord.

True fear of the Lord does not debilitates and lead to nightmares, but it is an awe and reverence that creates a passion in the person to always honor God. The fear of the Lord should fuel our heart to a lifestyle of worship. This should be the first priority of every child's education, prioritizing God in every area of life. We are to "seek first the kingdom of God"  (Matthew 6:33, ESV) living a surrendered life that worships God.

It is from a place of worship that we can expect to receive wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 talks about wisdom, knowledge, and insight. In the original language these words each speak to a different aspect of learning that our children need. Wisdom in this verse speaks to knowing God and being able to discern His leading; this is a heavenly wisdom. The word knowledge is focused on mental understanding and an ability to connect information to Godly truth; this is a wisdom for learning. And finally, insight is the ability to think critically and choose rightly; this is how wisdom is applied.

If we want to be parents and educators who follow the guidance of Paul and mature our young people in the instruction of the Lord, we need them to be educated to worship God first and get wisdom. This is why I believe some form of Christian education is essential.

Is Christian School the Only Option?

Not necessarily. But, depending on the school, it is an excellent option. I attended a Christian school growing up that was definitely not perfect and had some areas that made me consider not having my children attend Christian school. Yet, looking back I am extremely grateful for the strong Biblical foundation I was given. Examining history, science, mathematics, language, art, music, and leadership from a distinctly Christian worldview provided me with the ability to view the world around me from a biblical perspective. The Bible became my educational foundation; as I entered adulthood my knowledge was rooted in Biblical truth.

I am not anti-public school, but in my experience with my boys attending public high school, the level of training Paul is suggesting is extremely difficult to support in public education. During the time by boys have attended our local public high schools, my husband and I have had to make a concerted effort to discuss with our boys every day what they were being taught. We have taken the to ask questions that their teachers are not discussing and ask them what they believe the truth of the Bible is. This level of processing is beneficial as my children mature, but is not always something parents are comfortable doing. 

The logical next argument many people have is, "I will just homeschool my child". And yes, you absolutely have that option. But anytime someone uses the word "just" in conjunction with homeschooling, I become very concerned. Done well homeschooling is extremely intensive, especially if your child is not self-motivated. Homeschooling has the potential to be a wonderful experience for both parent and child, but requires the parent to have a level of skill in education and organization as well as time to prepare well.

Prioritize Worship and Wisdom

Regardless of the setting you choose to formally educate your child, as parents or educators we must teach our children to prioritize worship and wisdom. Proverbs repeats admonitions about the importance of the fear of the Lord as "a fountain of life" (Proverbs 14:27) and the "beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7), and prioritizes wisdom, saying "Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight" (Proverbs 4:5, ESV). Teaching out children to worship from a place of reverence and seeking to understand God's wisdom is the essence of Christ-Centered learning.

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