Connecting School to the Scriptures
We may think the lessons learned in primary and secondary schools have very little to do with our faith. We often isolate schooling and separate it from our religious service and treat the two like oil and water. However, it might be strengthening to both our attitude toward school work and our religious faith if we intertwined the two in our thinking rather than compartmentalizing them. Rather than viewing school as a state-required drudgery and irrelevant to spiritual service consider the fact schooling can prompt us to be placed in a position where we are better equipped to fulfill God’s will. It did as much for several key Bible figures.
For example, if Moses had not been schooled in Pharaoh’s household would he have been as capable of writing the Pentateuch (Acts 7:20-22)? If Daniel had not been schooled in Chaldea would he have ever have been promoted to the position where he could influence kings (Daniel 1:5; 7:28)? If the apostle Paul had not been “taught at the feet of Gamaliel” would he have been able to have grasped the mindset of both Jews and Gentiles in order to logically and eloquently persuade them (Acts 22:3; 1 Corinthians 9:20-21)? Even Jesus increased “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” after having the opportunity to converse “in the temple” with Jewish “teachers” while “both listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46, 52).
Now, reflect upon your own education. How can the lessons learned from kindergarten to college help you spiritually and as a Christian?
First, consider the study of the English language through literature and grammar. A study of literature can help you grasp the trends of past and current cultures. Even Paul quoted from popular, uninspired poets (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12). If we understand how others think it can make us more capable of teaching them. A study of grammar is also a key tool in the Christian’s toolbox. Some arguments of Scripture are based on the tense of a single verb (Matthew 22:31-32) or the number of a specific noun (Galatians 3:16) or the placement of a specific conjunction (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Further, certain passages can be easily misunderstood if we fail to comprehend simple concepts such as pronoun-antecedent agreement (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 2:8). Such misunderstanding has led thousands to believe in false doctrines. The most capable preachers and elders will use their fundamental understanding of language to correct “those who are in opposition” to the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Second, think of the value of learning a second language. Most high schools offer a variety of foreign languages. Most require it. Christians can use such languages to help fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Many churches in America need interpreters right now as they see an influx of immigrants visiting and attending their local congregations. Someday your neighbor, your co-worker or someone in another country may need the gospel presented to them in a language they can understand. Learning a common, foreign language now can help open spiritual doors in the future.
Third, take your math classes seriously. God does not expect you to explain the Pythagorean Theorem. However, there are a few mathematical principles you will have to answer for at judgment. For example, the parable of the talents teaches us the importance of wise, fruitful investments (Matthew 25:14-30). Now, of course, this is a parable illustrating a higher spiritual principle. However, in order for the figurative to be true the literal must be true also. In addition, God expects us to use our money wisely as we pay our taxes, pay our debts, give to the Lord and those in need (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Ephesians 4:28). One of the most basic problems in our culture, financial debt, is based upon a failure to perform the simple math process of addition and subtraction. Some people have failed to add up their income and subtract their financial obligations before adding more burdening debt onto their pocketbooks. Makes you wonder how many people were asleep in math class.
Fourth, take your social studies courses seriously. One of the Bible’s greatest arguments is its history. Historically, nothing has been unearthed by archaeologists or read by historians which disproves the Bible’s claims. The Bible is a factual account about real people in real places in real history. Courses in world history and geography can help confirm this as you study western civilization and enhance your personal study of the Bible.
Fifthly, think of ways to glorify God in your science class. One of the devil’s greatest weapons is the public school’s teaching of Darwinian evolution. Yet, the basis for this theory is being scientifically disputed by a growing chorus of scientists. Study creationist’s current arguments and use them to refute the false conjectures of evolution in your classroom. A study of “the things that are made” (true, experimental science) will lead to Paul’s conclusion that God made the world, not just random chance (Romans 1:20). Yet, students must be well-read if they hope to reverse the influence Darwin’s teachings have had on young minds for over a hundred years.
There are so many more things you can study and use to bring God glory as you build a solid foundation in your life. Join your school’s choir to enhance your singing and musicality as you glorify God in song. Work hard in public speaking courses to help positively impact your ability as a personal evangelist and communicator of the gospel. Pay attention in home economics, health and industrial technology classes to help you become better homemakers, parents and helpers. Yet, most importantly, walk into your school each day ready to show the world how a Christian talks, dresses and lives (Matthew 5:16). This, above all else, will open the door to more opportunities than any amount of knowledge the world can offer (1 Timothy 4:12, 16).
August 2009