September 24, 2009
How has your child’s first month back at school gone? If they are coming home happy and the contacts you have had with the teachers have been positive, then rejoice. It isn’t easy for children to switch from summertime “vacation mode” to the work of the classroom.
In recent weeks, I have focused on some of the physical challenges and needs, especially adequate breakfast nutrition and bedtimes that allow for sufficient rest. I also recommended teaching strong organizational and listening skills that will go a long way toward helping your son or daughter be a success in the classroom.
We also touched on some of the emotional challenges attached to the start-up of school, especially the normal fears and worries. I suggested that you ask thoughtful questions about your child’s well-being, and then be sure to listen attentively and sympathetically to the answers.
I close this series looking at the spiritual challenges faced by children in the classroom, especially in the public school system. A big plus for Christian schooling is that your young children will be immersed in an atmosphere that supports the Christian worldview, values and character that you have been trying to develop at home. I strongly believe that this Christ- centered educational and social culture for the young student is absolutely essential, and can adequately equip them to be spiritually strong when it is time to transfer to high school.
If, however, you have chosen the public school option for your child, then you must be very aware of the spiritual issues involved. A secular versus Christian worldview goes way beyond what the teacher believes about dinosaurs. It has to do with where standards and values come from, what can be trusted as being truth, and to whom we are accountable. Many parents do not realize that an education is not just a set of facts, but also involves the “why” behind the lessons learned.
Your child will almost certainly be exposed to family dynamics and cultures that are different than your own. If it is simply a matter of preferences, this is not a spiritual issue. But if the differences include definition of family, questions about moral standards, the place of faith and church, and the rule of God, then these become matters of spiritual concern.
At Heartland, we are able to direct children back to their Bibles and to prayer, to see what God says in His Word about the issues they encounter. Where does your school and child’s teacher send your son or daughter for their moral and ethical and world-view answers? If you are fortunate, they send them back to you as a parent. More and more, however, spiritual issues are being met with secular answers and values that remove Almighty God from the equation. What can you do? Pray for and with your child before they walk out the door. Listen and pray again when they get home. Optimize your own family’s devotional time. And get them involved in Christian children’s ministries that will reinforce your family’s commitment to Christ.
Our program today is sponsored by Tenstrike Community Church offering Source Point: Sunday Nights at 6:30p.m. Starting September 27th at the Tenstrike Community Church. Source Point is a service geared toward connecting with teens, young adults and young couples in a current, relevant and exciting way. You can expect to participate in modern worship, hear a honest and practical message and receive prayer and guidance if you are hurting or confused.
We would love to have you join us. Contact TCC for more info at 218-586-2960 or go to www.tenstrikechurch.com.