The Part of Biblically-Based Education in the Christians Life

I believe that a biblically-based philosophy of education should be based on the ministry of Jesus. I believe this because the Bible is the primary source for all learning. It provides, through principles of truth, the foundation from which the learner can reason to every subject and area in life. Philosophy gets to the heart of who we are, what we believe, and why we believe it. It determines the character and the skill of generations to come. According to Scripture, education is defined as a mission to be accomplished and as a process to which children are subject. They are subjected to nurture, reprimand, and obedience. Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in a way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Both parents and teachers are assigned to “train up” children and teach them God’s commandments. Both instruction and discipline are involved in the task of bringing up. Instruction points to the thinking of the child and discipline to the willing of the child.

The context in Scripture indicates that all instruction must be disciplinary, which is to direct the child on the right path. The process and the task of education are ordained by God and can be understood properly when viewed in the light of Scripture. As scripture states in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Also, though the Bible does not provide factual knowledge about every subject taught in schools, it is the “framework” of all inquiry in that it provides principles and guidelines for our entire lives, including our intellectual and academic lives. It shows us subjects like science, math, and art fit into the world God created.

Biblical-based education in the home, church, and where children spend the majority of their time, school, aids in developing “bringing up” a child in the way they are going. As an educator, I recognize that learning is not independent of faith. What I and my students believe and do not believe influences how we learn and understand knowledge. God has placed teachers in a position to instruct and equip children with the knowledge that is needed to mature in Christ. As a Christian teacher, I am committed to a life of service to our Lord and Savior and his children. And as a teacher and my service to God, I am motivated by a love for children. In love, I can give my all to my students without asking for anything in return because love begets love. By building love in the life of a child, they will learn to express themselves in love. Education cannot be Christian without the love of God reflected in all areas in the classroom. Love affords children the security needed during the most trying times of the learning process. When a child feels love around them, they can learn to weather tough situations in the classroom with ease.

“When the word of God is at the heart of a teaching ministry, no one alive can fully imagine the impact it can have (Hendricks, 1987).” Biblical-based education aims to make a difference in how children realize they're being in relation with God, themself, as well as others and the world. At the heart of the school is the educator. We are gifted with a passion for learning, teaching, and demonstrating the love of God to our students. Just like the student, the teacher is also the learner. We both need time to learn and grow. I must continue to grow and learn. There is a very vital relationship between teaching and learning, also known as the teaching-learning process. The words belong together because the process is inseparable. If the learner is not learning, then I am not teaching. “The greatest of teachers said: “The seed is the word.” The true teacher stirs the ground and sows the seed (Hendricks, 1987).” The process of teaching is that of one personality transformed by the grace of God, reaching out to transform others by the same grace. It is a heart-to-heart process!

In conclusion, a biblical-based education is a vital part of the Christian life. Education must be based on a revelation of God through His word, creation, and the son, Jesus Christ. I must take on the characteristics of the Master Teacher, Jesus, to impact the lives of my students. I must also be consistent in leadership and remain focused on the God-given task of “bringing up” the child in the way he should go. Finally, it is important to always remember that I am teaching the future. “Then all your sons will be taught by the Lord (Isaiah 54:13), and “Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40.”