Music to My Ears
Yesterday my wife and I went to Chapman Middle School to hear our son Ethan sing, with all the other fifth graders, the songs that they had been learning throughout the year.  Exactly one week earlier, we had attended the spring musical hosted by First Baptist Christian School, where two of our other sons are enrolled.
The differences between the two programs were noticeable to say the least. ¬†At the FBCS musical, there were about 130 kids performing, with the grades ranging from pre-school through grade 7. At the CMS program, there were over 300 kids performing, all of them fifth-graders! ¬†All of the songs at the FBCS musical were gospel-oriented, whereas all the songs at the CMS program were all secular, American folk songs (unless one counts “God Bless America” as being a “Christian” tune). ¬†The FBCS musical opened and closed in prayer. ¬†The CMS program began and ended with a few simple remarks. ¬†The FBCS musical included a verbal presentation of the gospel. ¬†The CMS program had all music but no message.
More differences could be cited, but there are two main thoughts that we took home with us as we left the program yesterday. ¬†First, we were reminded of how privileged we are to have a Christian School at First Baptist Church, and to have had all five of our children as students there at one time or another. ¬†(Two of our children are still enrolled at FBCS.) ¬†Second, we were reminded that kids are kids, and it’s important that unsaved kids in the public school system rub shoulders with saved classmates. ¬†Though initially we were reluctant to send any of our children to a public school (let’s admit it – there are many down sides to it), we are happy to see three of our five children “slugging it out” in the secular sphere. ¬†They are learning – much sooner and better than I did growing up – what it means to be salt and light in practical terms in a worldly society. ¬†They are discovering that delicate tension of being in¬†the world but not of¬†the world. ¬†There have been some bumps and bruises along the way – and there will be more to come – but God is teaching them some great things through their experience. ¬†I’m proud of them, and I’m praying for them.
God in His providence has worked things out in such a way that we have experienced just about every type of schooling option: ¬†public school, private Christian school, homeschool, and special education in a public school setting. ¬†We have come to see “the good, the bad, and the ugly” in each of these situations. ¬†For the most part, it’s all been good – to the praise of God’s grace.
I say this to encourage any parents out there who might be wondering if your kids are in the right school. ¬†While we want to do what’s best for our kids in consideration of their particular needs, be assured that wherever you have them enrolled, God can use them (and you) in that environment to bring Him glory. ¬†God can use any person in any place to accomplish His purpose. ¬†That’s what’s so amazing about grace.
One Response to “Music to My Ears”
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When Pastor Matt first posted his blog about public school vs Christian school, I wrote a comment, but I must have pushed the wrong button, so he never received my comment. I don’t know if I can recapture what I meant to say earlier, but I’ll try.
We Wallers have had our daughters in both Christian school and public school, and both have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, though, the reason for chosing a particular school should be God’s will.
When we first moved to Massachusetts with our daughters, we prayed for wisdom regarding which school to send them to. We did investigate First Baptist Christian School, but we didn’t sense God’s leading in that direction. We eventually sensed God leading us to place them in public school, and it was not an easy leading to follow.
In the eight years since we’ve had our daughters in the Weymouth Public School system, we’ve seen God’s wisdom in His decision for OUR daughters. For better and worse, our daughters’ lives have been intertwined with many unsaved students and teachers. Only God knows how lives have been changed for eternity.
The world is not always kind to Believers, yet God has entrusted us with the responsibility to love our unsaved neighbors. Having our children in public school, if it’s God’s will, is one way of learning about our neighbors.
I have a favor to ask of those who God has lead to Christian school. May you please pray for the staff and students of the public school where your children would have attended. If they will not be blessed by your physical influence, may they be blessed by your prayerful influence.
All children need God’s prayerful protection, no less those children who attend public school.
Sincerely, Mrs. Ocean Waller