In response to the moral deficiency, academic weakness and spiritually hostile atmosphere of the modern educational system, thousands of Christians have removed their children from public schools and, at great sacrifice of time and money, have pursued their children's education under the banner of Christ.

Is it working? Is the homeschool movement fulfilling its goal? Homeschoolers are avoiding the public school agenda, but are they replacing it with the truly biblical way of learning? We know what to reject; do we know what to pursue in its place?

We are challanged to search out God's purpose and standards for education. It is not enough to simply borrow a curriculum of the western tradition and sprinkle it with Christian words. God, in this world, has appointed wisdom to the structure, method and goal of our learning. Wisdom is far above all of these, all other educational goals, even a good-paying job or socialization are casting to the shadow of divinity, or vanity. We must return to the biblical standards for education if there is ever to be a holy generation, set afire by truth, and inspired for our daily lives, bearing the power to turn the world upside down again.

What is the real purpose of education? What makes Christian education Christian? Why do Christian schools insist on using Greek and Roman standards for education? Does the Bible give a pattern of learning? What is wisdom, and what is the Christian community?

It may be difficult, at first, but it is essential that we compare our educational goals to God's Word. Education affects every area of human experience. The way we see our world, the values we hold important, the skills we feel are necessary, our opinions of the past, present, and future—all are clearly affected by our education and our educational philosophies. Education is a process that forms one for life.

We can teach a child self control by using external force until the child ultimately learns his own self control by using his internal force. We can also teach a child to yield himself to God by giving up fleshly desires.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1–2).

None of the virtues and holy tempers of Christianity become ours unless they become the virtues and tempers of our ordinary daily life. Christianity, far from leaving us to live in the common ways of life, conforming to the folly of customs, and gratifying the passions and tempers which the spirit of the world delights in, does not indulge us in any of these things. Its virtues, which it makes necessary to salvation, are the many ways of living above and contrary to the world in all the common actions of our life. If our common life is not a course of humility, self-denial, renunciation of the world, and heavenly affection, we are not living the lives of Christians.

Wisdom First

Man should begin his journey to obtain knowledge by first acquiring wisdom. By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3–4)

Even the design, construction, and furnishing of a house demonstrates the procedure of wisdom—understanding—knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:14). Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom; though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.

James 1:5
If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.

Proverbs 3:21–24
My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling.

Proverbs 11:2
Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

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