What is the Goal of Education?

discipleship

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Have you ever wondered why education is such a big deal? Today I’m going to take you to a small verse in Luke that has implications as to why and how we educate our children. Luke 6:40 says, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Wow, that’s powerful stuff.

Do you remember when you were in school? Most of us were not homeschooled ourselves.  We attended school away from home where we were discipled by (that’s right) our teacher. We don’t often think of education this way, but by the end of the day, education is all about discipleship.

Jay and I have been saying this for years as we’ve been speaking around the country.  We did not realize the depth in the spiritual battle in the field of education until we got involved in ministering to homeschooling families.  I believe it is because education is much more important than we often realize! We are talking about the hearts and minds of the next generation of children. The Bible says in Luke 6:40 that when a child is fully trained, he will be like his teacher.

Now, is this condemnation to those who’ve chosen not to homeschool? Absolutely not, but it is a reminder that it matters who teaches your children. You see, discipleship is the goal of education. Christian homeschooling should not only be about teaching the ABC’s. Yes, academics are an essential component in homeschooling, but the foundation and power of homeschooling is found in the quiet resolve of two parents who are committed to teach their children to be fully devoted, mature followers of Jesus Christ. That comes first.

Now, can you do that without homeschooling your kids? Yes, I believe you can and we’ve seen parents do it successfully. But, the neat thing my husband and I realized about homeschooling our children is that the amount of time it gives us to disciple our children is second to none. Homeschooling has given us time with them that would have otherwise been given to a teacher, or a school system.

Understanding this is a crucial component of success in homeschooling. It is the key that unlocks the door to longevity in home education. The truth is, the best schedule and most efficient run home won’t keep you from burning out if you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing.

So, let me just ask you, busy mom, why are you raising your children? What is your goal for raising children? Most moms I know wouldn’t take on homeschooling in a million years without a driven desire. So, what’s driving you?

The answer to this question is going to define the education journey of your family. If you choose to homeschool your children, keeping the heart of homeschooling alive with the desire to impart wisdom, not just knowledge, to your children will help keep you going on the days when you wonder what in the world you got yourself into.

Once you truly know what education is about and decide why you are doing what you’re doing, you can begin to make a plan that will help you make the most of the homeschooling years, one moment at a time.

Part of the reason why I have been talking about legalism for the last couple of days, it is to remind parents how important it is for us to love each other. We should love each other regardless of the education choices we make for our children.  I wonder, as we wrestle these issues, are we loving each other?

The Bible says they will know we are Christians by our love. I want to encourage you to remember that the goal of education is discipleship.   As we raise our kids, let’s remember that passage in Luke: “When your child is fully trained, he will be like his teacher.”

That’s something to consider as parents—our children will be a lot like us.

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About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

22 thoughts on “What is the Goal of Education?

  1. Stephanie Turner

    I too love this verse. It makes me realize how truly blessed I am. I do not homeschool my kiddos. I am a public school teacher. I truly believe that Christ has opened the doors to place me in the school that I am teaching in. It makes me realize why I teach. I want Christ’s love to shine through me so all of my sweeties can get to know Him. I also get to watch my own two personal sweeties grow and share the love of Christ with others. What an amazing responsibility God has intrusted me with! 🙂

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  2. Teresa Sanders Ferrel

    Stephanie…..we have homeschooled for 12+ years. My sophomore DD is taking an AP class at the local brick and mortar. I am really picky about who I allow my children to have daily contact with. Her AP teacher is one of the best people and teacher I have had the pleasure of having teach my children. I am putting together a letter to the principal in support of her work in the classroom. I also pulled my daughter out of the Spanish class she signed up for and opted to do it online, because of a teacher who probably shouldn’t be in the High School at all. I am so thankful we live where “Choice in Education” is allowed. I applaud all you great families who take raising your children seriously and have more than a hand in raising them. I have my hands, my feet, my head, my heart, my back, and fingers in raising mine. Love the article. Sharing it.

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  3. Tasha

    I agree with this wholeheartedly.

    I have a question.
    My daughter is in 9th grade this year. All of our previous years of HSing I have combined both dds (one is 2 years younger)in history, science and read-alouds. This year I felt the need for them to do all subjects separately so that the older dd could get credit for biology and high school in general. This has lead to them doing all subjects independent of one another.

    I cannot find enough hours in the day for me to bop back and forth to help each one and complete all work each day. We are weeks behind. And this school year is draining me instead of it being fulfilling.

    Is is possible to still combine subjects once a student starts into the high school years and still meet all state requirements for graduation?

    I need help and I know you have children that have graduated.
    Any input you have is greatly appreciated.

    Thank you,
    Tasha

    Reply
  4. Meredith

    I love, love this description of education. I am choosing to homeschool my children starting next year…6 year old boy, 3 year old girl. I have met plenty of people that don’t understand…a lot of family that doesn’t “get it.” Thank you for this great verse that sums it all up. I know I’m determined to do this…I just didn’t know completely why until now. That sounds crazy, but you don’t know me. I know what’s in my head and my heart, but often have a hard time relaying it to others, especially under pressure. I now have a “go-to” verse from God’s word. The only authority I will ultimately answer to. I am blessed with the opportunity to have quit my corporate job and take this leap of faith called motherhood and homeschooler. Here we go! 😉

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