*This post has been updated with bible verses at the bottom.
*I was challenged to support my decision with biblical proof, as I do believe that God’s Holy Word is inerrant and sufficient to answer any decision that we have in life. While every area is not black and white, the whole of scripture is consistent and does not contradict. While searching out the scripture this morning, at first, I was going to make points for either side (home education verses and school verses). But then, God showed me in His Word that these verses apply to both sides! See for yourself:
1) Romans 14. FREEDOM
Read the whole chapter. This is such a good section of the bible that talks about liberty we have in Christ. It makes the point that we aren’t to quarrel over personal decisions. We are NOT to pass judgement upon another believer. It says, “each one should be fully convinced in their own mind”. I know this chapter is specifically addressing food and drink and not causing your brother to stumble, but it also addresses more as a whole. There is freedom in the area of schooling our children.
2) John 16:7-15. PERSONAL CONVICTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In this passage God makes it very clear that Jesus went away and left to the believer (those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ) the Holy Spirit. This person of the trinity lives within every Christian convicts each person of personal sin, of what is righteous, and what areas to judge ourselves before the Lord. This is where people speak of “I feel that this is what we should do”. We should not go by our feelings, but maybe we could phrase it better to say: “the Spirit has confirmed this in my life based upon His Word.” The Holy Spirit will never tell you something in addition to God’s Word. His job is to glorify the Father, so all will agree. So, each family after prayer and bible reading and conviction of the Holy Spirit should make their own decision upon what to do for schooling.
3) 2 Timothy 3:14-17. PARENTS SHOULD BE THE PRIMARY SPIRITUAL ROLE
No matter if you send your child to school or keep them home to teach them “education”, the first and foremost thing that will change any heart is the Holy Scriptures. We need to be the ones as parents to instill these truths into their lives. To memorize scripture with them. To sing songs of praise. To bring them to church. To model before them biblical discernment in the way we interact as parents. Just as church should not take the primary spiritual role in our children’s lives, school should not either. Take every opportunity to minister to your children. Every experience can be a life lesson of God’s goodness and grace!
4) 1 Timothy 4:12. DON’T DESPISE YOUTH
Don’t ever underestimate what a child can do for the Lord. The Lord can use a child in a person’s life, just as much as He can use an adult. Yes, they don’t have a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom as of an adult, but if they know the Lord as Savior, He can use them mightily.
5) Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:7. WE SHOULD BE TRAINING AND TEACHING OUR CHILDREN
We should be and can train and teach our children. Take and make every opportunity count. Some people take these verses and use them as an argument of why you should only home educate. I see that these verses apply to whatever decision you make. Be creative! Don’t become apathetic and disengaged with your children if you send them to school. Likewise, even if your child is home there is a spiritual discipline that needs to occur day after day the same way. It may even be more of a challenge to not let bitterness get the upper hand.