by vyckie bennett

This past weekend our family joyfully celebrated the high school graduation of our oldest daughter, Angel who has been educated at home since age four. There were six homeschool graduates from the Norfolk area - this is the first year that we've had more than one or two homeschooled seniors - so the families all got together and had an official graduation ceremony complete with Pomp & Circumstance, caps & gowns, the works.

The graduates put a lot of work into their ceremony which was a testimony to the blessings and effectiveness of homeschooling. Sarah prepared a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the graduates ranging from birth up to the present and concluding with group photos of the girls who have grown up together and have developed strong friendships through various homeschool group field trips, co-op classes, and other activities.

After the ceremony, several young homeschooling moms told me that these seniors - who are firm in their convictions, who have not rejected or rebelled against their families' Christian values, who are able to think logically and independently, who have maintained their physical and emotional purity, and who have developed a mature, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ - these young people are encouraging examples of the rewards which homeschooling parents can expect to reap from the time, energy, prayers, and sacrifice which they are now sowing into the soil which is their children's lives.

This is a silly question when you really think about it. I understand the concern that children need to be properly socialized - to learn to get along with others, fulfill obligations, work cooperatively with others to accomplish a given task, etc. The truth is ... our homes ARE the "Real World." At Creation, God established families to socialize individuals to build a cohesive, functional society. Godly families have incredible influence. Few Christians realize how powerful an influence their families have on those around them. John 13:35 says, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if you have love one to another."

What better environment to discover what real Agape love is all about than in the setting in which Christ-like behavior is the most difficult to practice - our own homes? It is easy to be kind and courteous as we interact briefly with friends, neighbors and co-workers - we put on our "happy face" and politely respond, "Fine" to the obligatory how-are-yous of those whom we know do not have time, nor genuine interest, for an honest assessment of our personal well-being. At home it is different. Our family sees us not only at our best, but also at our worst - when we are tired, moody, burned-out, stressed out - they know when our hearts are not right before God and, sadly, they often suffer the affliction of our spiritual malcontent.

Home is God's University

It is here that He educates His saints - our spouses, parents, children, siblings are most often His appointed "professors" - and the circumstances of day-to-day living is the "curriculum" which He utilizes to teach valuable lessons which will prepare us to do His work in His way (see Deut. 6:6-9). Our Father is more concerned about our inward character than our outward achievement. Notice the "scope & sequence" of His educational objectives: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue, and to virtue knowledge. 2 Peter 1:5.

This is not to depreciate academic preparation for Christian students - but how much more effective will their Kingdom service be if they learn not only math, but marital harmony? not just science, but sacrifice and self-control, ... history, plus humility? Grammar and geography, yes - but let them also learn gratitude, generosity, and to excercise their spritual gifts. It is great if our children understand chemistry - it is essential that they have compassion for the lost. A Christian student must not only learn to speak well, but they must always speak the Truth in Love.

If we are too busy to spend time with our families we will fail God's most important assignments. Today's culture offers many enticing "extra-curricular activities" to distract us - entertainment, consumerism, even many worthy causes which keep our schedules too full to devote sufficient attention to His lesson plans. Often we are tempted to ditch class altogether - spending our time instead surfing the Internet, viewing pornography, gambling, etc. Sadly, drug and alcohol abuse, premarital sex, the breakdown of the family, and other tragedies lead many of the Lord's students to drop out of His program.

The enemy is working very hard to destroy the righteous because he knows godly families are the foundation of a godly nation. The world is also working against us - we are surrounded by influences and teachings which do not encourage strong relationships in the family. The good news is many Christian parents are rising to the challenge - no more excuses, no more denial. In obedience to God's commands we are teaching His Word diligently to our children when we sit at home and when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up.

The homeschool graduating class of 2004 attests to the veracity of His promise, "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life" Prov. 22:4.