In the Christian community there are many issues that can cause division. How we choose to educate our children can be one of those issues. Having homeschooled both of my children, I have seen that there can be a temptation to make homeschooling more than I believe God ever intended to be.
Even though we did homeschool our children from Kindergarten through the 12th grade, I did not like being known as a "homeschool mom". I did not want that to become my identity or what people automatically associate me with when they saw me.
I am not ashamed that we homeschooled. It is what we were called to do as a family. It worked for us. It wasn't done perfectly and my children are not "child prodigies" because they were homeschooled, but we did see God provide for them what they needed. That has been God's plan for us. It's not for everyone.
Okay. Then what should my "identity" be? What should others associate me with when they see me or if I come to their mind?
Jesus.
My focus needs to be Jesus so that others are pointed to Him when they interact with me.
I remember a conversation I had with a woman one day. She was a visitor at the church we were attending at the time. After we talked, I knew that she "home schooled, home birthed, didn't eat sugar, and had several children." She had spoken very passionately about each of these subjects. Although she was very sweet and all of those things are wonderful things, I noticed that as she was sharing there was an invisible wall going up around those of us who didn't share the same passion that she did.
As this precious woman continued to talk, I observed another lady who was listening to the conversation and saw that her countenance had become that which was discouraged. Knowing that she wanted to home school but her husband was not supportive (and that she was submitting to her husband.) I felt the need to come to her aid. I put my hand on her arm and said, "Isn't it great that God has given us so many options to choose from?" She seemed a little relieved and encouraged.
I left that conversation feeling sad because what that well meaning lady did that day is something I'm sure I've done to others without realizing it. We can get so focused on what we are called to do, that we forget to focus on Who called us to do it. There is a danger of becoming devoted to the calling rather to the One who called us.
Division happens when the focus is not right. Rather than focusing on what we have in common as believers, it's easy to focus on where we may differ. Many of the issues are not mandates but personal preferences. My family might be called to do something and your family to another. As long as we are not disobeying God's Word, we should be able to encourage each other in the Lord and fellowship anyway. If I am working to serve and edify the body of Christ as a whole, then others will not see me (or hear me) treating others differently because of how they are led to educate their children.
What should I be known for? Those things I am called to!
- I am called to live a holy life.
- I am called to serve and encourage others.
- I am called to pursue God and be in His Word.
- I am called to glorify God in all that I do.
- I am called to be a light.
- I am called to humility, repentance, and to have a teachable spirit.
- I am called to offer my life a living sacrifice.
- I am called to be a submissive wife, and to raise my children according to biblical principles.
What do YOU want to be known for?