For more information related to this topic, check out Bob Yandian’s series
“Raising Godly Kids in an Ungodly Word”
and his book “Proverbs.”

Linda, thank you for your interest in Real Answers with Pastor Bob Yandian. I am also thankful for your interest in the spiritual well-being of your child. It should go without saying that the most influential person in a child’s life is the parent(s). Regardless of school, or even church education, the foundation laid by the parents will have the most value and long-term effect upon the lifestyle and future choices of the child. Your prayers, your personal love, your family bond, your home environment reflecting a godly character, and the basic principles of biblical truth you teach will contribute to produce a “harvest of righteousness” in your son.

I can understand your concern with public education when considering some of the issues promoted/ignored by the public school system and society in general. But, that does not mean your child must be at their mercy—far from it! You have a power the world system cannot equal: the power of the Word of God and prayer. The promise of Isaiah 54:17 applies just as readily to this issue as to any other:

No weapon [intensely formed as the ultimate weapon] against you, will prosper [that is, to be a success at all]…

While it might be good for every child of a Christian home to be educated in Christian schools, this is not a realistic expectation. Not every parent/family has the access, opportunity, or ability to educate their children in this manner. In the same way, “home schooling” is not an option suitable for every family.

There are several Biblical examples I have considered as a way of encouraging you as you raise your son in a godly manner.

The Child Samuel
The story of the Prophet Samuel’s childhood is told in 1 Samuel, chapters 1 through 3. This tender and inspiring account of a mother’s devotion to God and to her child has many messages for our society today. As you read through this account, please take notice of the culture of the day and of the evil within the priesthood. The high priest, Eli, and his sons, Hophni and Phineas, were far from God’s ideal of a representative to His people Israel. The cowardice of Eli to confront, correct, and judge his sons caused great harm to the people of God. Their activities caused the people to “abhor” the sacrifices and traditions commanded by God. Eli stood directly responsible for this apostasy, and many years later under Solomon, “the house of Eli” became synonymous with priests who are unacceptable to God (1Kings 2:26-27).

Yet, it was into this very “unholy camp” that Hannah entrusted the raising and education of her God-given child, Samuel (from the time he was no more than 3years old). She had made a vow—to God, not to man—and she would trust Him completely. Surely she knew of the evil practices, the perversion of the laws of God, and the lurid behavior of the priests at the tabernacle, but she trusted God to care for her son. She prayed for him, she visited him, and she loved him—deeply. I do not find it hard to imagine that the coats she made for him were bathed in the tears of her own prayers for his protection, health, well-being, and spiritual wisdom. Samuel was not abandoned to the “world system,” he was entrusted to God.

My point here is that your prayers and the love you have for your son combine to bring a covering for your child. You may wish he didn’t have to be exposed to some of the things he will hear, and see. But, it is your words, your prayers, and your counsel that carries the anointing power of God.

It is interesting to note that in 1 Samuel 3:1-20, Eli was the one who recognized it was God who was speaking to Samuel—and not to him. He was even aware enough to teach Samuel how to hear and respond, and then to acknowledge that what God had said was true. Even hardened unbelievers can have a godly influence when God’s hand is on the child.

The Four Hebrew Children in the Book of Daniel
Another interesting account is that of the four children taken from the courts of Jerusalem several years before the captivity in Babylon. This story is found in Daniel, chapters 1 through 3. Taken by Nebuchadnezzar to the royal palace in Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah, Mischael, and Azariah were to be servants in his royal court. They were subjected to a change of names, a pagan education, a foreign language and culture, and the food of the king (which was the only thing they refused—but that’s another story). Yet, this did not take them away from their devotion to God and His Word, which had been instilled in them from the time they were infants. In fact, as you read the rest of their story, you find they shined as lights in the darkness.

Consider the principle presented in 2 Timothy 3:15.

…and that from a babe you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The word used for “babe” in this verse means a child in the womb or newly born. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers (2 Timothy 1:5) who spoke the Word of God over him from before he was born. This instruction remained with him until the time the Gospel was presented and he received Jesus Christ.

You have the power to influence your son with the truth of God’s Word. What he has learned from the Word you have taught him will be a pillar of strength when he is tested. You should make a regular effort to encourage him in the truths of God’s Word, discern what principles he is being exposed to, and confront what is in error in a loving manner. Help your child to see the truth for himself by enforcing the foundational principles of good, righteousness, justice, mercy, and love. These values will help him make correct decisions in the face of temptation and evil. This is the pattern followed by the book of Proverbs. You could make this book a pattern for presenting instruction to your son. And remember, God’s Word is anointed—man’s teaching is not.

The Childhood Education of Jesus
I chose to the example of Jesus’ upbringing because I believe it presents another excellent example that can relate to your situation. Of course we can assume that Jesus had an excellent education in the home from Mary and Joseph.

Luke 2:40 says, “And the child continued to grow and gain in strength; He continued to increase in wisdom, and the spiritual blessing of God was on Him.” (Williams NT)

Jesus’ parents saw to it that he received the proper understanding of God’s Word and that he could express these in society. But when Jesus reached the age of six, he would begin his education at the synagogue. This would continue until the age of thirteen for most children. However, Jesus was further educated in the synagogues, for He was accepted as one who could read from the Scriptures and address the assembly (Luke 4:16-21), and he was addressed by the title Rabbi. This would entail at least another five to ten years of rabbinical instruction.

Now look at what is written in Luke 2:52: And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

This encompasses all the years Jesus was being educated under the rabbis. Very few rabbis had much understanding of the truth, they were hard-hearted, and that they were filled with self-righteousness and arrogance. Yet, Jesus grew in “favor/grace” with God and with man.

My point, again, is that the education of arrogant, unspiritual, even caustic men could not remove what had been taught at home and in his personal growth with God. This is not to take away from his deity—but that’s not the subject of these passages. The teaching of his parents, the rabbis, and his own study continued to develop his understanding of the truth of God’s Word, the purpose of His mission, and the plan by which it would be accomplished.
I believe this principle will also work for your child. The truth you teach him at home, the education he receives in church, (adult, children’s, and youth services), and the instruction God gives him in your son’s personal study time will be an anchor for his life. Yes, he will hear and see things opposed to God’s righteous Word, but remember, the truth is inside him, and it is empowered by the anointing of God.

The Nurture and Admonition of the Lord
Ephesians 6:1–4 gives the instruction that children are to follow the teachings of the parents, and that the parents are to “nourish/feed them in the instruction/training and admonition/preventive guidance of the Lord”. You have a responsibility to oversee your child’s training. And, as you train him in godly things and with scriptural truths, God will cause the Word to work on the inside of him. Trust God’s promise—it will produce.

My final advice: Teach—stay involved in his education—counsel him—educate yourself in the truth to establish principles of right versus wrong. Join the PTA or other similar organization at the schools he attends. Meet with his instructors, but do your best to stay non-confrontational. Survey the books and materials they are using at his school—and make advisory suggestions. If there is a Christian club or similar organization offered at his school, get involved with him. Make sure you keep him involved at church—help him to develop friends who are believers also.

And, PRAY! Prayer is not a fitful resignation that there is nothing else to do. It is a passionate and glorious opportunity to change things in this world into the image of God’s desire. Prayer draws upon a power that is above all others.

Philippians 4:6-7:
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Amplified Translation)

There are many excellent books that teach principles of training godly children. These may be obtained at Christian bookstores in your area. Also, the pastor, children’s minister, or youth director at your church may have some excellent material and teachings that would assist you.

Geof W. Jackson, read bio
Director of the Grace School of Ministry/Director of Pastoral Care