May 20, 2010
This month we are examining different elements of “success” for a students, with a focus on those things that cannot be easily tested.
I suggested that success includes a healthy and informed acceptance of a child for his or her body type, along with a desire to keep that unique body in as good a shape as it can be, developing it to its fullest capacity. Last week we also examined the soul: benchmarks in the development of mind, will and emotions. In terms of the mind, I suggested that education is about teaching your child the tools and discipline of clear thinking, fact-finding, logic and communication. I pointed out that the self-discipline of the will, in light of God’s commandments, is a sign of success and maturity. Finally, I spotlighted emotional development, which includes making progress in self-control in the face of difficult situations.
Today, having looked at the body and soul, we turn to the realm of the spirit. Do not think that just because there is no chapel or religion class in your child’s school that his or her spirit is not being impacted. However, very few teachers outside of a Christian school environment are going to be able to assess your child’s spiritual progress, nor would they likely say anything even if they noticed something amiss. As an educator at Heartland, although the inner Spirit is truly known only to God, I can observe the fruit of God’s Spirit as well as spirit-based gifts evidenced in even a young child’s life.
Can you imagine a report card that gives a grade on the fruits of the spirit, the presence of which reflects the condition of the heart? At Heartland, we actually do give “character awards,” and some public schools do, as well. Pay attention to these assessments by your child’s teacher. Think in terms of progress in expressions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Consider such intangibles as a sensitive conscience, willingness to make sacrifices for others, and an eagerness to please God.
There are some specific activities which, though not a direct assessment of spiritual progress, give a clue to what is going on in the heart: participation in worship, hunger for the Word of God, desire to be a witness for Christ, and a strong motivation to talk to God in prayer, interceding for others as well as just offering praise. Because I teach a Bible class to 7th and 8th graders, and see them in action in chapel, I can sometimes sense when spiritual progress is being made, or when a child is struggling with the things of faith.
No teacher is going to be able to put a fully accurate spotlight on the spirit of their students, but you as a parent can seek the mind of Christ and the discernment of the Spirit to know if, along with the body and soul, the spirit of your child is developing in a healthy way. Again, spiritual development is according to God’s timetable, but it is an area worthy of your attention as a parent.
Our broadcast today was sponsored by Our broadcast today was sponsored by G-Force Consulting of Bemidji, specializing in off-road electric vehicle development. Check them out at gforceconsulting.com.