There has been an ongoing debate in recent years as to who has the ultimate say in a child’s education. School officials and school boards are increasingly claiming that right as elected officials and “professionals.” Count yourself blessed, as I do, to live in a community where these two entities still view the family and parents as the primary source of instruction and the home as the foundational classroom. Public schools have come alongside families through the years to assist parents in educating children, for which I am thankful. Unfortunately, for many schools across our nation, an attitude of arrogance has evolved with values and ideology that differs vastly from that of the parents.
God assigned parents as the primary teachers of their children. This is true for both secular and spiritual truths. The Bible says, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk off them when you sit by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up…you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7,9 NKJ). The word “diligent” is also translated “impress them on your children” and “repeat them again and again to your children” (NIV, NLT). There is no responsibility more important than the spiritual education of children.
Recent news stories about public education should trouble any parent. A California school board member was caught cursing at a parent on a hot microphone she thought was muted. A Virginia female student was sexually assaulted in the bathroom by a boy identifying as a girl who was wearing a skirt and given access to the girl’s bathroom. The Department of Justice has made threats toward parents who voice concerns over school matters at board meetings. Two recent stories involve a board member in Florida who took Elementary school children on a field trip to a gay bar and a Kentucky school where students gave lap dances to school staff. Schools that once were thought a safe zone have unfortunately become dangerous to kids.
Four thoughts come to my mind when I read these stories. One, thank God if you are in a small school with local control and have school officials and a school board who still honor God and are not ashamed of it. Two, pray for your children’s teachers who are increasingly under greater stress while they often deal with troubled kids and state mandates. Three, stay involved in your child’s school and in their education. Help them with homework and keep informed of what is being taught. And four, pull your kids out of any school if the culture of the classroom, the content of the curriculum, or the incompetence of leadership puts your child at risk or violates your conscience as a Christian. There are many alternative sources of education in today’s world. Remember, God entrusted your child to you to love, teach, and raise as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.