[304 words]
It has always been God’s will that His people teach their children about Him. Speaking of His commands He said, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Most of us are familiar with Proverbs 22:6 which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” When reading this proverb with its spiritual application in mind, it is easy to understand that the seed of God’s word must be planted in the hearts of our children and the godly principles taught during childhood will remain with them well into adulthood.
So one might ask, “How does our secular education fit in with spiritual training?” “Are the two compatible or completely in opposition?” First, the importance of a secular education cannot be understated and success in life depends highly on the school years of our childhood. And even though there are those subjects that contradict the biblical story and its precepts, the development of reading, writing, and arithmetic are vital in learning, comprehending, and application of the Holy Scriptures. Not only does secular education make bible study possible, but the skills and career training received make us productive members of our society and thus productive members of the Lord’s church. So yes, secular education can and does benefit the Christian. However, there is one caveat. Secular education, with its many extra-curricular activities, demands much time from students and parents alike. But these activities must never interfere with appointed times of worship, spiritual training, and service, period (Rom. 12:2; Heb. 10:24-25; Luke 14:15-24; James 4:17; 1 John 2:15).
Jay Launius
Maud church of Christ
Maud, TX