Get Them Out! A Plea For Training Your Child’s Heart And Mind.

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

Get Them Out! A Plea For Training Your Child’s Heart And Mind.

It’s that time of the year again. A time to reflect on the accomplishments of our children as they have finished up another school year. Some will have a long list that includes sports awards, academic achievements, and more. Some will have no accomplishments other than “surviving” another year. But one thing will be the experience of every child-they will have had their minds trained to think particular ways during another school year.

During those 13 formidable years, from kindergarten through 12th grade, the environment in which they have had their minds marinated will inevitably produce the desired results, preparing them for a lifetime of thinking through the daily issues of life.

This will also be a time when parents reflect on the fruit of their parenting. We know that there are many factors contributing to how a child “turns out” and not all are in control of the parents, but taking the bottom line responsibility is inevitable for the parent. For the Christian parent, there will be a private assessment (maybe not spoken aloud) of the spiritual maturity of the child, and should the parent realize that the educational environment is hurting the mental, physical, social, or spiritual health of their child, there is an opportunity to make a change for the next school year.

I believe every true Christian parent would agree if they were asked the following questions: First, “is there anything more important than the soul of your child?” Everyone would say no, the most important thing for the life of my child is that he would know and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Second, if any true Christian parent were asked, “what is the most important tool that God uses to not only bring a young person to faith in Jesus, but also grow and mature a young Christian?” Certainly, the answer would be, “the word of God.” And third, how would a Christian parent answer to the question, “what is your greatest responsibility before God pertaining to your children?” I think the response from 100 different Christian parents would be unanimous. All would agree their greatest responsibility before God would be to raise the children God gave them to know the word of God and how to apply it to their lives every day.

And with all Christian parents in agreement on this incredibly important parenting perspective, I struggle to understand why 90% of the children from Christian parents are having their hearts and minds trained daily by schools that aren’t only indifferent on Christian teaching, but hostile to the truths of the Bible. How can this be?

Well, during my 22 years as the administrator in a Christian School, pleading with parents to take their children out of a non-Christian School and place them in a 5 day Christian School, or a Christian hybrid school, or a Christian Co-op, or just plain old home schooling, I have heard all of the reasons as to why most Christian parents will not do it.

Some of the more common reasons given are:

• We can’t afford it.
• There are Christian teachers in the public school.
• I went to public school, and I turned out all right.
• I know of Christian kids in the public school.
• I know of badly behaving kids in the local Christian school.
• The public school provides greater competition for my child’s sports career.
• There are greater academic opportunities in the public schools.

All of these objections to sending your child to a school that teaches a Christian worldview can easily be refuted and have nothing to do with what God has given as the command to every Christian parent- to raise your child in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Neither do any of these objections align with the answers that every Christian parent would give to the three questions that I posed above.

I believe the actual reasons for 90% of our Christian parents sending their children into an environment that is poison for their heart and mind can be encapsulated in two reasons. The first reason is that we have so many parents who have bought into worldly thinking. When I say worldly thinking, I mean that the goals and objectives that parents want for their children are the same goals and objectives that non-Christian parents pursue for their kids. These goals and objectives typically correlate with things related to money, self-worth, security, and happiness, all without any subjection to the wisdom that comes from the Bible. Therefore, in the minds of these Christian parents, a Christian education holds little value in their minds.

The other reason for Christian parents choosing to educate their children in an anti-Christian environment is due to the fact that they are trapped. What do I mean when I say they are trapped? I mean after a number of years of planning their family’s life through the grid of the loves of this world, they have built a formidable structure that supports making as much money as possible, investing in retirement, going on significant vacations, improving their social status, and having a never ending binge on entertainment of all sorts. Once a family is in this position and their minds and hearts have been fed by the short term jollies that this way of life can provide, it is incredibly difficult to rip out the roots that have grown deep and change priorities.

But that’s not to say it cannot be done. We serve a big God and with him all things are possible. He can give you the mental clarity and wisdom needed to plan a major educational change of direction for your family. It might take two or three years for you to do a reset on the priority of giving your children every opportunity to hear God’s word on a daily basis and come to know and love him now and for all eternity. It may mean a location change or a job change. It may mean letting go of some fun things that have no eternal value and do not support your efforts to followed God’s direction for families in this way. It may be hard but there is no doubt that God will bless you.

If you are newly married, you have the wonderful opportunity to plan a life of heart and mind training of your children outside of a public school. Stop and think deeply about the incredible gift of children that God has bestowed on you and the incredible responsibility you have to train up their hearts and minds in a Christian way. What does that mean? It means taking all of the precepts and commands from the Bible from front to back and both teaching and modeling obedience to those things in the life of your children. To get an idea of how serious God is about both teaching your children about Him and protecting them from an evil world, read chapters 6 through 11 in the book of Deuteronomy. You will be overwhelmed by the seriousness of our God as it pertains to children.

If your kids are grown and are getting married and maybe having kids, share this article with them and help them see and plan for parenting in accordance with Ephesians 6:4.

In closing, I just want to say that I have meant no offence to those parents who have their children in a non-Christian School. I realize that this is a hot button topic and I may be stepping hard on some toes. But I’m willing to take that chance because this topic is one of the most important topics in all of God’s Kingdom and if there is just one family who hears this and is convicted to move their children to a Christian home school or Christian day school, it is worth it. If you have objections to Christian schooling and would like me to help you think through those objections, please don’t hesitate to write to me. My address is Mike@cherishephesians64.com

 Dig deep, brothers and sisters, and I’ll see you next time.

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT:

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

“Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ?” Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Christian Behavior, written by John Bunyan. This is a wonderful fairly short book written by the great John Bunyan to help Christians understand that their lives should be full of good works! Bunyan takes us to Titus 3:7-8 and brings practical application to all areas of the Christian life. You will be blessed by this great saint!

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-christian-behavior-by/id1716196912

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjUQ_MpGbnqwrBVi7TgRKi3

Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description:  Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id167288080

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

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Last modified: May 14, 2024