The Opportunity of Homeschooling

by Heidi St. John

Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Eph. 5:15-16

People often ask us why we're so passionate about homeschooling. Why does it matter? Aren't all educational options "the same"?

The simple answer is NO. They're not.

Why? Because education, at it's core, is discipleship. The real role of a teacher is to disciple, or mentor a student. But what does that mean? It means that teachers play a huge part in shaping the hearts and minds of their students.

Luke 6:10b says, "everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." This verse is just one of many that tells us why education is so important. The Bible says that students, when fully trained, become like their teachers. It's a sobering thought, given what our children are being taught about moral issues in most public schools today.

This verse from Luke should serve as a reminder to parents about our own responsibility in teaching our kids. If they are going to be like us, then we need to be like Jesus.

Homeschooling has many wonderful facets to it, but by far and away, we've come to believe that the best thing about homeschooling is that it gives parents the opportunity to invest in the lives of their children like no other educational format. It gives parents the gift of time with their children.

Where are our children spending their time? Are we making the most of every opportunity to impart a biblical worldview to our children?

Studies have proven the educational advantage that homeschooling affords children but it's much more than that. When we educate our children at home with solid biblical teaching, we make the most of every opportunity God has given us with our kids.

The opportunity of homeschooling is simple: it offers parents the gift of time. Time to teach them how much God loves them. Time to read together. Time to build relationships. Time to talk about what's important. Time to discover together the unique gifts God has placed in each child He created. Time to teach our children to be discerning, and to study God's word together.

Yes, math, reading, writing and history are important. But they pale in comparison to discipling our children in the ways of the Master.

On the days when homeschooling seems to take all your time and you wonder if you'll make it out alive (yes, I've been there, too), remember that time is a gift. Your children will grow and be on their own before you know it. Your investment in the spiritual and academic growth of your children is worth it.

Aside from leading them to Christ, homeschooling is the best thing you can do for your children. As Chris Klicka wrote, it's the "right choice!"

Jay and Heidi St. John have six children who range in age from 4 to 18. Their desire to see churches reach out in support of homeschooling families prompted them to found First Class Homeschool Ministries. For more information on First Class or to contact the St. Johns, please send feel free to send them an email or call 360-326-8826.