A Glimpse at Kids’ Issues:   Picking the right school

I know that this may not seem like an issue to many of you.  Most students don’t get to choose where they obtain their education.  It is generally left up to the parents.  But that decision can have long reaching consequences to the kids.  God has given parents the responsibility of raising their children up in the Lord.  That is their job.  The problem is, there is no list of “do’s and do not’s” for them to follow.  There are few absolutes on how that is practically walked out in day to day life decisions. 

The impact of choosing the wrong school can be like a weed subtly wrapping its tentacles around the hearts of the kids. Parents may never see it until the roots have planted deeply into the psyche of their child transforming their God-given destiny and image into one crafted by the enemy of their soul. I think we often forget that there is a “real” enemy on the warpath for the hearts of our kids. If he can finagle a way to get them to believe lies as though they are complete truths, he wins. He is subtle, crafty and often uses half-truths to seduce them.  This war may be unseen by our human eyes, but it is in full motion with plans of destruction.

So, what do we do?  I’m glad you asked that question!  First, we pray.  We seek the Lord for wisdom concerning our children.   In James we are told that if we ask for wisdom without wavering, He will give it to us. Second, we work on our relationship with our kids so that they feel the love and safety to tell us anything.  No secrets.  Even if it upsets you to hear their innermost heartfelt thoughts, we listen and respond with the unconditional love our Lord has shown us. Third, we look hard at the influences touching our children every day of their life.

This war for our kids is one of the reasons we at E3 Christian Academy want to come alongside the parents. We desire to have truth reign in our classrooms so that the enemy’s lies cannot stand or take root.  Light always exposes the darkness for what it is. We don’t pretend to have perfect students, perfect teachers or staff.  We know that sin is a problem for us all. We also know that sometimes we deal with student rebellion, disrespect and unkindness to one another.  We don’t turn a blind eye to the misbehavior that arises in our classrooms. We have a heart to lift the name of Jesus up so that all will come to repentance.  We have a commitment to our families that we will create a safe environment where bullying will not be tolerated.  We are working to train each child in the truths of God’s Word as the final authority.

One of the reasons E3 Christian Academy has open enrollment all year is because when the war hits a family and they need an education for their child with a respite from the ravages of this world, we want to be there for them.  We long to help teach their children how to be strong in the Lord so that when adversity hits, they are prepared for battle. The way our curriculum works is based on a principle of individualized learning.  We can start them exactly where they need to be until they master what they are learning and move forward. We long to receive the wounded and broken alongside those who are strong and victorious.  We are ready to fight this battle with you for the glory of God and the furtherance of His Kingdom.  E3 has managed to make our tuition affordable so that money is not a gating item for families in need of a quality education wrapped up in the truths of God’s Word. Every decision parents make for their children has an end result in mind. Picking the right school is at the top of that list. E3 Christian Academy is here with arms open wide ready to share the love of God with whoever walks through our doors.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Ephesians 6:11-13

Lord, I just lift parents up to you.  It is not an easy job.  But it is a job you have entrusted to us.  I ask that you give them wisdom. Your wisdom.  We are not in need of our own. We need Yours. I also ask for wisdom on behalf of our school.  I ask that You lead us and guide us each and every day. May we be surrendered completely to You as we walk out the job you have set before us. May we truly lift up the name of Your Son so that all would come to repentance and may You be glorified in all we do. Amen