The Teachings of Christ For Christian Education
In my opinion I feel that the biblical basis of educational ministries are four basic ideas that teaching should be seen as a light of the world, it should bring out old as well as new feelings in people, be an example to all mankind, and be followed always. There are many more biblical basis for Christian education, but in my eyes I find these the most important.
In Proverbs 6:23 the Lord states, “For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light.” Teaching should not feel like a burden of the church, or of the parents. Look at teaching the word of Christ as a gift and teach this gift wholeheartedly. As a Christian one of our duties of the Lord is to pass down His teachings as well as His faith. God has given you a wonderful gift and it would be no less then sinful to hoard it all for yourself. (Note: This was described perfectly by Lou Foltz today in chapel.)
A teacher has the hard task of not only teaching the gospel but also bringing out each of the students individual strengths, so that they may use them to serve Christ. Matthew 13:52 says ” Therefore every teacher of the laws who has been instructed about my kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a home who brings out his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” This is where imaginative, dynamic, analytical, and common sense learners come into play. You must cater to every type of learner so everyone has a chance to shine and become all God wants them to become.
When the students have finally learned the Christian walk of life they must submit their lives to Jesus Christ. They cannot only talk the talk; they must also walk the walk. Deuteronomy 5:1 gives us an example when Moses summoned all Israel and said: “Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.” This shows that it is not good enough to just learn the word; we must follow the word as well. Otherwise, we are no better off then where we started.
The final basis I have is that you must spread the word of Christ. What good does it do when twenty people know about Christ and do not share this with others? Nothing. Christianity would cease to exist without teachers training new Disciples of Christ. John 13:14-15 states ” Now that I, your God and Teacher have washed your feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus taught twelve disciples the word of Christ and it is now our job as potential teachers to keep this cycle going.
All of these principles I have talked about all together create my biblical basis for Christian education. These ideas show basic rules to live by as Christian educators. If I ever do teach Christian education I will do my best to live by these rules for teaching as well as life itself.
