School Choice??

Recently, I have been hearing a lot of reports of how school choice is expanding across the nation.  I have been hearing on Christian Radio commentators say that they hope the government is listening. The commentator goes on to say that there should be more school choice because it makes such a difference in education. I want to challenge your ideas and thinking about school choice.

                I know many people, including myself, have gotten frustrated with the recent outcomes of test scores from the public schools.  I also understand that many have become disillusioned with the lack of morals within the school. So many parents have decided that they should take matters into their own hands and move their children to a school that shares the same morals and values that they want for their family.  What they are leaving many times are children that have had little exposure to church or God’s word.  So, when the family that is involved in the Church and God’s word leaves the public school, who will expose those without a church to God’s Word? Who will expose these children to Christian morals and decisions? Many of you may be thinking, “It is not MY job to teach the love of Christ to other children, I am supposed to show the love of Christ to my own children.”

                Now, I ask, what would Jesus do? Would Jesus move his own children away from the threat of bad influences? Would he try and shelter the little ones or would he stand beside them and preach about how we should stand up and make good choices.  Jesus would quietly speak about loving your enemies and turning the other cheek. Scripture tells us that we should go out into the world and make disciples of ALL nations (Matthew 28:19-20) not just the ones who are “like” us. Jesus also confronts the Pharisees when they ask why Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners.  In Matthew 9:10-13,

                10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

                Jesus cautions us that there is a lot of work to do, but there are few workers to do it.  Does God want you to stay in your comfort zone and “feel good” or is God calling you and your family to step out and handle the school challenges together?  Wouldn’t you as a parent prepare your children for the unknown challenges ahead if you were there to help guide them in Christian living while they are growing up? Wouldn’t that prepare your children more for times when you are not there?

                Now think about the impact you could have not only on your own children, but on the lives of other children as well. In Psalms, chapter 8 verse 2, God tells us that we can create a stronger community if we take time to praise the children. The verse states, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” So God tells us that if we take care of our children and raise them right, we could spoil the bad intentions that other countries have against us. How could that help the next generation?

                One of the prime examples in the Bible of a person that God showed favor was David.  In Psalms, David shows us a little glimpse of the faith that he has in God. This is what David thinks God does for those who work for the needy.  In Psalm 72:12-14, he says, “For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. 13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. 14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.

                So, now I ask, how could you help God’s children? Not your children, but God’s children? What gifts could you share with the children of your community?  What passion could you share with others? Do you love photography? Can you help bring photography to kids who would not have the opportunity without your help? Do you have a gift with the written word? Can you help some of the kids who have had unique experiences share them with others in their writing? Are you good at debating? Are there schools that need debate clubs?  Are you passionate about good sportsmanship? Could you coach a little league team?  What can you do? How can you leave a mark?  God already expects you to leave a mark on your own child.  That is why he gave you children.  He also expects that you make an impact on the greater community.  Please do not be so quick to move your children away from negative aspects of public school.  Your child will need to work with people of all backgrounds with grace and humility.  You as adults can begin to set the example in the daily life.