Schools are important to children, and children to God

What is the role of a child of God in the public schools run by our local government?

Public schools began classes again this past week in our area. The beginning of school is one of the most important days in any community calendar. When school begins, the whole pattern of community life changes. Families return from summer vacations. Children go to bed earlier so they can rise early and get to school on time. Teachers, bus drivers and support staff are back on the job. Even traffic patterns change.

But in addition to the business and societal impact of school, there is the personal impact. The beginning of school is also the beginning of the whole process of helping children grow in knowledge and toward maturity. While the work of the church has eternal impact, I am not sure there is anything more important that our culture does than the nurturing of children, which is done by our schools. Our children are the future of our community and our nation. It is a vital work to help our children grow toward life as healthy and productive adults.

But young children are also vulnerable. That is why headlines about bullying, abuse and headlines about school shootings are so devastating. From a cultural point of view, children are innocent victims when these tragedies take place.

It is because of this important impact on the children of our community that I urge fellow Christians to think about the role of God’s people in the process of education. Time and again, Jesus talks about his special love for children. We are told in one account of Scripture that, when parents brought children to Jesus, he took them into his arms and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16). In another Bible verse, Jesus warns against harming children or leading them astray. The judgment from God for such harm is dire, according to Matthew 18:6. But perhaps my favorite verse that talks about God’s love and our responsibility toward children is found in Matthew 18:10. Jesus says, “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

So, Jesus says we have a responsibility for the “little ones,” but God is also providing extra special care.

So, what is the role of a Christian person in the education of our children? Schools are run by our government, and the government is, by law, separate from the church. But that does not mean God’s people don’t have an interest in this important work that happens in the schools.

Here are some steps Christians can take to help schools in their charge of educating our children. First, Christians should work to provide stable homes for our own children. The foundation of good education begins in homes. When children know they are loved, they are secure enough to risk learning. When they know they are loved by God, they can face the challenges schools will bring. Stable homes help the education of our children.

Secondly, Christians can and should pray for our schools. Pray for and encourage the children. Pray for and encourage the teachers and staff. Learning takes work and discipline, and it can be difficult. God does hear our prayers and he answers them.

Finally, Christians can volunteer in schools. Jesus calls us to serve others as he served us and gave his life for us. We can volunteer and serve in schools, no strings attached, just because it helps in the important task of educating our children.

The beginning of school also has a special place in my heart this year. While my daughter, Mary, has taught in Chevak for two years, this year she began her job as a teacher in our local school system. And, while all of my children have finished public school, my first grandson, Jake, begins kindergarten this year, with five more grand children on the way. So, I have a personal interest in the welfare of our schools.

Children are precious and important to God. Our schools are important to our children. I encourage you to reach out in faith and service to make our schools a place where children can grow in knowledge and maturity.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

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