Spiritual darkness surrounds us, but we have the light of the world within our souls (John 8:12). In Mark 4:21, Jesus stated that it is not a good practice to put a lighted lamp under a basket. It does not take a lot of imagination to visualize the outcome. Instead, Jesus urged that we put the light where the light belongs – on the lamp stand, for others to benefit from and with which to be able to see. The light is Jesus Himself – the Light that is in the believer as a result of salvation.
As believers, we live in a world of darkness. People, Jesus said, naturally love darkness because our deeds are evil. Darkness (evil) is in direct contrast to light (Jesus). With this in mind, believers are to be “light” in a dark world. Light exposes. Light converts. Light dissipates darkness. As believers, we need to consider how to be a light for Christ in a dark world. It is especially important to shine the light of Jesus in the public school classroom.
Students have tremendous freedom to shine the light of Christ in their classrooms through their conduct, their conversation, their clothing, and through testifying of the blessings of God in their lives. Research shows, however, that while students may be Christian, they may not have a biblical worldview. They may not be looking at the world through the lens of biblical truth. For students, a biblical worldview is critical if they are to have Christlike impact with their lives, their schools, and beyond. A biblical worldview must be reflected in their conduct and conversations at home and at school, for it is being aligned with God’s divine principles that makes the difference.
Another equally effective way to be light in the dark world of the classroom is through the asking of “hard” questions. As a class is learning new information that may be in conflict with truths of scripture, students can shine the light by respectfully and non-challengingly asking teachers, “How can I align what you are teaching me with the biblical truth of – that my parents have taught me?” or “Do you think this conflicts with the Christian principle of – ?”
Asking these questions, in a non-threatening and respectful manner, is important for many reasons. Through the asking of the question, students are testifying to the importance of Christ in their lives. They are taking a stand for Christ. Some students will accept information as being “truth” without ever holding it up against the lens of biblical principles. By asking questions, however, other students may reflect on the accuracy of what they are learning, and teachers may reflect on what they are teaching. Questions can shine light into a dark world.
Christian public school teachers have been placed in the greatest mission field in America. Because of being guaranteed the right of free speech through our Constitution, teachers have the freedom to answer and express opinions when a student asks questions, and, if appropriate, express their personal faith. The student might ask, “What did you do this weekend?” The teacher might answer, “I attended my church and had a wonderful time praising God and worshipping.” The student asks, “Why do you have a Bible on your desk?” The teacher may answer, “Because I believe that this is the most important book to read and live.” When a student asks questions that allow the expression of a personal belief about Christ or Christian principles, the teacher can simply add, “Now, this is what I believe. Go home and ask your parents what you believe.”
Additionally, parents have the unique opportunity to be a shining light in their child’s school. While easy and natural for a kindergarten or first-grade parent, it is even more important for high school parents. The process of shining the Light begins with contacting the teacher before any problems occur in the classroom. Make a time for a one-on-one conference or for a telephone conference time. Waiting to meet a teacher at open house is ineffective and does not accomplish the same benefits. Ask the teacher for critical information about your child. “Does my child have friends?” “Are they kind to other students?” “Do they always show proper respect to teachers and administrators?” Explain that it is important that your child exhibit a Christian lifestyle and request that you be contacted when your child is not exhibiting Christlike behaviors and attitudes.
Pray for your child’s teachers and tell them that you pray for them. Ask if the teacher can provide you with any special prayer requests. Ask if there is anything you can do to make teaching your child easier. Such comments act like flashlights in dark closets. Such actions and attitudes will not go unnoticed.
Shining Christ’s light in the public school classroom exposes the truths being taught that are in conflict with God’s word. Jesus’ light converts and dissipates the darkness, bringing enlightenment and radiant living. As light dissipates the darkness, however, it should be remembered that light requires an energy source. Our energy source is the Holy Spirit. Scripture promises that the Spirit provides the power and will tell us when to speak and what to say. So take your light from beneath the basket where it is being hidden from the darkness, and place that Light on the lamp stand for all to see. The effect of shining Christ’s light in the public school classroom will revolutionize education, energize students, and reveal that Jesus is the True Light of the World.
NeSmith, McColskey collaborate for series
Kathryn McColskey
Richard NeSmithRichard NeSmith, dean of the College of Education at North Greenville University, will be contributing a series of articles aimed at helping parents and teachers in understanding and developing children as disciples. Joining him in the project will be Kathryn McColskey, chair of NGU’s elementary education department.
A preacher, evangelist, conference speaker, and founder of Biblical Principles for Christian Living ministry, NeSmith, has eight years of secondary classroom experience in addition to five years in higher education. He has been a pastor in Indiana, Illinois., South Carolina, and Georgia. He holds seven degrees in science education and religious education.
McColskey is co-founder of “Go Fish!”, a Christian Womens’? life coaching, curriculum, and consulting ministry. She has 13 years prior experience as an educator in the public schools and five years as a children’s minister of education.
The university saw a record enrollment of about 2,000 this year, and steady interest in its education program has led administrators toward expanding the curriculum to include secondary teacher education in biology, language arts, social studies and mathematics by 2008.
“We are all excited about what God is doing in our midst. We have known for some time that secondary education was a legitimate need. God has now burdened hearts and opened doors to move in this direction,” NeSmith said.