Education powerfully affects the development of all children and young adults. Every individual builds a set of foundational beliefs. These beliefs evolve into a set of values, which shape every perception and affect every behavior. Beliefs and values remain invisible in the heart of every man, but together they generate and control very visible actions. Government (public), charter, and Christian schools all clearly recognize the importance of laying a strong set of foundational beliefs in the heart of every student, but that is where the similarity stops.

Christian schools understand the need for a "Christ-centered" foundation that is based upon God's Word. Godly homes, active church participation, and Christian schools can then all work together to shape and re-enforce shared values. The outcome is that students will grow up to be truly successful in life, serve God, and walk daily in Christ's victory, full of hope, love, and power. Christian schools need to be careful not to place an unbalanced emphasis on actions (the appearance of godliness - as opposed to genuine godliness), but always try to be more effective in bringing each student to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Government and charter schools do not have a priority to promote God honoring behavior among their students (evidenced by the behaviors and worldliness tolerated in their hallways and classrooms). Their secular humanistic set of foundational beliefs preaches that there is no absolute truth, man is his own judge and morality is just a cultural leftover. The tragic decay of our society is, in some part, a testimony to the effectiveness of government schools and their philosophical indoctrination of children. Those children then grow up to become godless parents to the next generation of secular humanists. "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 16:25)

What can we do? First, we need to pray for the teachers, students, and administrators in government and charter schools. In many ways, the administrators and teachers in these schools have had their hands tied by "the system", which does not allow these professionals to deal with the needs of students. (There are many dedicated Christian teachers and students in government and charter schools who struggle against godlessness every day.)
Secondly, we need to understand that Jesus trained and equipped His disciples before He ever sent them out to change the world. Young believers need to have their beliefs and values affirmed, and additionally, they need to be equipped to effectively minister the love of Jesus to a lost and dying generation. Christian schools should never become just a "safe place" for kids. Christian schools must also build-up students in their faith, nurturing godly young men and women who will then impact the world through biblical thought and action.

The future of our children and our nation hang in the balance. Unless home, church, and school are working together during the formative years to build godly foundations, the next generation will be just as apostate as this one. Consider the consequences. Count the cost. Commit yourself to Jesus Christ, your church, and Christian education. Make an eternal difference.