Long before the time when swimsuits, sunglasses, and bikes are replaced with backpacks, books, and pencils, Christian schools begin looking for the best Christian education curriculum for the new school year. No matter what age a student may be, the curriculum and school need to reflect the values and beliefs of the family, as well as serve the primary purpose of a school in teaching and instructing their students. Schools and instruction can vary as much as day and night. Often, public schools provide a focus on being successful within worldly eyes; however, a Christian school provides a curriculum that focuses on God and His will in all areas of life. Here are a few other specific elements schools and parents should look for when considering a Christian education curriculum:
Creation: In a Christian education curriculum, the focus of any subject begins with an emphasis on God’s creation! The curriculum emphasizes and reinforces the reality of Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Whether students are learning about math, science, or language arts, the curriculum teaches that all of creation is His handiwork. As a result, we are called to be stewards of His masterpiece. The curriculum’s resources assist students in seeing God’s creation as a work of talent, precision, and detail. It also challenges students to praise and glorify God for the twinkling stars, the sand on the seashore, and the birds in the air. Psalm 8:3-4 says, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Students learn that they are created by God in His image, and they are not products of years and years of evolution. Each student is unique, original, and hand-crafted by God, so a Christian education curriculum should illustrate how each person is important and plays a significant role in God’s world. Creation shows that everyone is created by God and is special in His eyes.
Control: In today’s society, people like to think they are in control, and many believe they own their schedules. However, they forget that God is in control of all things. A Christian education curriculum teaches students that they are not their own, but they belong to God. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 says, “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” These verses show that all things belong to God, and He is in control. Students learn that whatever they do is for God’s kingdom. With God in control, students can be confident that nothing happens by chance, and all things are planned and oriented according to His will. This knowledge gives students and parents a sense of assurance. Students understand that God is in control of their lives, and their assignment on Earth is to serve God and assist in furthering His kingdom.
Compassion: Another fundamental foundation of a Christian education curriculum is God’s compassion. From a very early age, children learn that Jesus loves them. They sing about it in Sunday school and learn about it in church. This foundation doesn’t waiver as children get older. God loves His creation so much that He sent His only Son to save the world when it became tainted by sin. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This verse shows that creation and His children are special to Him. God’s compassion is never-ending, and the curriculum should exhibit that God’s love is unconditional and true.
Christ at the Center: The major foundation of a Christian education curriculum is that the material teaches students that all of their life needs to be centered on Christ. Everything we say, do, and even think should meet God’s standards and edify Him. The curriculum is based on the Bible, so it emphasizes the development of a personal relationship with Jesus. Though a curriculum does teach students about the world around them, it challenges them to look at the world from a Christian perspective. With Christ at the center, a student’s work, play, family, recreation, and view of the world should all look differently, as we seek to bring glory to God in all that we do!
When looking for the best Christian education curriculum, schools should look for a Christ-centered curriculum that illustrates God’s awesome creation, the control of God, and His unfailing compassion. Most importantly, a Christian curriculum shows students how special they are to God and how their lives will positively impact the world around them!
