“Ehud ben Levi! You better get going, the school bus-camel is about to come!”

“But, Mom, why do I have to keep going to the Philistine school?”

“Ehud, you know they have the best Spear and Sword team.”

“But Mom, they only teach us about Dagon, and that our God is nothing special.”

“Ehud, don’t listen to that stuff. You only really need to pay attention when they teach you about math and science. You can also ignore most of their history stuff. You can learn about Torah when you go to Synagogue on Saturday.”

“Now be quick, otherwise you’ll miss the camel. We love you, Ehud. See you tonight around 6.”

Can you imagine such a ridiculous conversation between a mother and son taking place in the days of King David or during other times in Israel’s history?

No doubt, Israel was influenced by her neighbors. She was, after all, located in the heart of the ancient world.

Major trade roads passed through her land, assuring that the latest and greatest fashions and ideas were accessible to most.

And yet, Israel was summoned to live in such a way that the nations would take notice of her.

Positioned in the middle of the nations, she was to not be like the nations.

Consider the clear directions God gave to Israel before she entered the Promised Land.

Deut. 4:6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

Deut. 4:7-9 “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?  8 And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?  9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren… (NKJV)

Would Moses have encouraged young Israelite children to be trained by the Moabites or Ammonites?

Would it have been a good idea for Israelite children to study in the Philistine school system?

Certainly not.

Do we have a greater reason today to make sure our children receive a Christ-centered education than did the parents in ancient Israel?

I believe we do.

To whom much has been given, much shall be required.

If, with the greater understanding we have in Jesus Christ of God’s great plan of salvation, why would we think it acceptable to give our children a non-Christ-centered education?

A lot of discussion concerning education is, not surprisingly, focused on children.

What is the best way to facilitate learning?

What is a safe environment?

What will prepare them best for college, work, etc.?

These questions are not bad in themselves. But, if our focus is merely on our children, we can easily turn our children into idols.

Should not our focus be on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ? The glory and centrality of Jesus Christ must be the preeminent focus in all of life.

To be a Christian means to be in union with Jesus Christ and entirely devoted to the service of God.

Parents, ask yourself this: Are we providing for our children an education that directs them in the fear and knowledge of Jesus Christ or are our children being taught to bow down to Dagon, Baal, and the other idols that are widely worshipped today?

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