«In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge» (Proverbs 14:26).
EDUCATION
Year after year, it is the same story. Hundreds of parents strive to have their children study in «a good school» or, rather, a «super school.» And of course, there is a diversity of educational offerings, for all types of clients: from those that offer traditional learning, such as foreign languages, sports, music, religion, to those that assure to «inject’ in the children business leadership skills.
At the heart of the education issue is a truly shocking issue: Very few parents are willing to fulfill their educational responsibilities. Dr. Ben Carson says as much: «There are too many biological fathers and mothers who have given up their role as caretakers, protectors, principals, instructors, inspirers, feeders, and guides—and delegate it all to nannies, churches, parent groups, the media, or society in general. That irresponsibility puts their children at risk, and also their future»—Ben Carson, Take the Risk, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2007. Carson touches on a very sensitive fiber that is extremely uncomfortable at this time. Does all educational responsibility rest on the school alone? What happens in regard to the family, for example?
Ellen White said several years ago that the family represents «the greatest of all educational agencies,» as it is there where the child will learn lessons of respect, obedience, reverence, and self-control, among others, that will guide them the rest of their life—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Student, sec. 4, p. 107. The problem is that today millions of parents—whether because of work, scarcity of economic resources, ignorance, disastrous emotional conditions, among other things—refuse to recognize their role as educational agents. That’s what schools are for! That’s why we send them to excellent educational institutions! The truth is that no school, not even those that shelter them under the umbrella of the Christian faith, can replace responsible parenting.
What about you? Are you also looking for a super school that guarantees you a good future? It is very convenient to place all the responsibility on a school (especially if it is a Christian one), but that is not fair. Indifference, rebellion, or bad attitudes on your part deactivate the best efforts of the teachers to facilitate learning. That is where elements such as respect, obedience, and self-control make a difference in the acquisition of knowledge. And you learn that at home.
Today pray to the Lord to help you to give your best in your studies.