If you’re anything like me, you grew up hearing that old gospel “Where He Leads Me, I will Follow”. While this is clearly speaking of our call to follow Christ, I believe it has other applications.

Imagine, Christ has called us as parents to be the shepherds of our flocks. As such, we are not only to protect our little ones, but also to lead and feed them with purpose. While this task may seem daunting, it is one the Lord calls us to and equips us for. In Deuteronomy 6:5-9 we read:

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

This is a verse that parents, especially those who home school, know well. Indeed, we would do well to appreciate the weight of this passage. As home schooling parents, we strive to educate our children to the best of their abilities. We want our children to be equipped for the future and to be productive members of society.

            However, as we walk this road of parenting and home schooling, we need to keep clear sight of what this passage truly calls us to. Like I said earlier, we need to lead with purpose because they are following us! Our eyes must remain fixed on Christ and His purpose for us and our children. After all, there will be no value in educating the next Einstein, Marie Curie or da Vinci if they don’t love Jesus and live to serve Him.

            Yes, our purpose goes beyond mere academics. Our true purpose is to lead our children to Christ. We desire that they follow us as we follow Christ (I Cor. 11:1). Teaching our children about Christ and leading them to Him is the best education we could ever provide.

            May we as home schooling parents fill the hearts and minds of our children with the love and truth of Christ. May the love and joy that can only be found in Christ overflow from our lives into the lives of those around us so that the world may be reached for Him.

May the Lord bless our families this year!

Ardra Jarvis