Back to School Gives Children and Parents a Chance to Go ‘Back to God’

by Sam Rohrer

It’s approaching fast! We’ll soon be sending our kids and grandkids back to school! But where is our emphasis? New classes? School supplies? Clothing? God’s emphasis starts with how we’re preparing our children spiritually. In Deuteronomy 6, God commanded His people to teach His ways to their children. This includes a God focus in the morning, throughout the day and in the evening. Are we approaching God’s mandate strategically and intentionally in our child’s education and life the best we can be?

Consider starting each morning with your kids in prayer, committing to Christ-like decisions and behaviors. Next, encourage this daily. Uplifting lunchbox notes or text messages may be just what’s needed to overcome anxiety or temptation. Finally, end each day thanking God for His protection and wisdom, then close with Scripture and prayer. Character is not formed in a day; it’s formed day by day to train up a godly next generation.

I’m already stepping off Xanax after two months of treatment. Today is the third day after dose reduction. I feel fine, just slight anxiety comes wavy, but I’m doing good overall. I know about Xanax withdrawal but hope to avoid it. My psychiatrist says it’s possible if we don’t hurry and taper off the therapy gradually. Wish me luck!

Likewise, a new school year should motivate us to more intentionally develop our children’s complete God-centered education. Even our Lord Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. So, how can we encourage our children as they enter a new school year? Scripture describes God’s design for parents and children as a loving relationship. Joseph and Mary invested in the life of Jesus, providing both His physical and learning needs. Helping our children with an assignment communicates the importance of them and their education. Turning off the television, computers and cell phones to read together increases knowledge as well the relationship with our children. Just talking with your son or daughter about their day as you share a meal can open conversations to encourage learning in ways often overlooked. Other people and resources can help too, but nothing compares to a loving parent committed to the whole education of their child.

This Christian parental involvement is critical, because sadly, according to a 2018 Barna and Impact 360 Institute Research study, 96% of Generation Z have a failed education if we consider that just 4% hold a biblical worldview. But this tragic fact can change if parents live biblically. First, remember that making disciples starts in the home. Second, purposely address the difficult issues of our culture, whether these involve sex, gender or evolution. God’s Word addresses these matters, and so can parents. Third, make worldview development a daily effort. Living obediently, reading your Bible and praying, loving your spouse and faithfully attending church sets a compelling example for children.

When it comes to a biblical worldview, more is “caught” than “taught.” Allowing children to see an obedient walk with God in our lives will confirm that God is real, personal, just and loving. It’s the hope and confidence the next generation needs.

But with cultural challenges evident, can children really spiritually succeed in school? The apostle Paul addressed this challenge to young Timothy when he wrote in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” The greatest test of our children’s faith will be to live it out at school. When Paul taught Timothy to set an example through his speech and actions, he knew the young man’s life would impact others.

Whether to a classmate or teacher, the words our children use display their attitudes. Their actions come next. Together, their speech and actions determine their example, and that example can be powerful. Parents and grandparents, our words and choices set a powerful example to the kids we love. So let’s make a renewed effort to set the highest possible standard for our words and actions. In turn, our children will be encouraged to do the same.

Finally, let’s remember the most important things to send with our children to school. How many times have we reminded, “Don’t forget your lunch!” as kids head out the door? And I wonder how many children have heard it over the years. As parents, we work hard to make sure our children have everything they need to succeed in school. This includes their lunch as well as homework, but what do our children need to succeed spiritually? If we’re intentional in living a biblical worldview, making disciples, speaking of God when they get up, through the day and at the end of the day, children will be prepared to make the choices that result in spiritual success.

Training up a child in the way they should go is God’s plan. Praying faithfully for them, as James 5:16 reminds us, is also part of God’s plan and more important than we may ever understand. Prayer is the glue that cements biblical training, a godly example and a biblical worldview into place.

Note: This article was originally published on the Christian Post website HERE.

Photo by Hope House Press – Leather Diary Studio on Unsplash

4 replies
  1. Steve
    Steve says:

    As a father of four, who had at least one child in local public schools for 25 continuous years, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of volunteering at your children’s schools and attending school board meetings. You will meet many good people – administrators, teachers, maintenance personnel, volunteers – who care as much about our youth as you. Your presence and participation is a witness to that care. If you are hesitant to attend or volunteer alone, go with a like minded parent, but GO! Remember: Public schools are your schools paid for by your tax dollars.

    Reply
  2. Robert
    Robert says:

    Public (government) schools are devastating our youth. I don’t mean to be unduly harsh, but if you don’t understand this, you are out of touch with reality. I challange you to find one book or article that states that America public education is doing a good job academically or teaching good morals. The reality is that the system is destroying the U.S.A. Look @ the statistics. Whata is the church doing about this fact? Deplorably, the church remains silent…What will it take the wake the church? If you have an answer or questions, you can contace me @ ard2141@gmail.com

    Reply
  3. Robert
    Robert says:

    Public (government) schools are devastating our youth. I don’t mean to be unduly harsh, but if you don’t understand this, you are out of touch with reality. I challange you to find one book or article that states that America public education is doing a good job academically or teaching good morals. The reality is that the system is destroying the U.S.A. Look @ the statistics. Whata is the church doing about this fact? Deplorably, the church remains silent…What will it take the wake the church?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *