God's Glory
by Latasha H. Fields
In the Biblical narrative, we draw inspiration from Jochebed, whose name means "God's glory." She was the mother of Moses and faced an agonizing decision when confronted with a government decree to kill all male infants. This oppressive order aimed to stop their growth in numbers and their freedom to worship the one true and living God.
Jochebed's Dilemma and Today's Challenges:
The dilemma faced by Jochebed resonates with the moral challenges we encounter in our society today. Nowadays, many parents find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to education, realizing that government education has failed and has become an insidious cesspool of indoctrination.
Just like Jochebed, we must respond. Although we are not faced with the literal act of placing our children in rivers for their safety, the challenges in education demand our attention. We must remove them from being exposed to and influenced by perverse and wicked ideologies that work to promote sin and death. Instead, we must place them under the protective shadow of the Almighty.
The Enemy's Influence and the Call to Repentance:
The progressive landscape of government education is openly blatant about its insatiable appetite to indoctrinate children's minds. The enemy has launched a calculated attack against the divine family order in our current dispensation.
His tactics have dulled many individuals' senses, perceptions, and understanding regarding the Word of God and its authority in caring for, educating, and instructing our children. Therefore, we must adhere to common-sense solutions rooted in the Word, which will give rise to a reimagined educational approach.
Just as God commanded repentance in Acts 17:29-31, a clarion call applies to education—turning away from ungodly practices and ideologies.
In essence, we are called to view education through a spiritual lens. We must recognize that knowledge is a divine gift given to us by God in Christ Jesus. It is our responsibility to intentionally and sacrificially impart this knowledge to our children by teaching them the truth found in His Word with utmost diligence (Deut 6:7).
Biblical Foundation for Children's Education:
Before delving into the specific challenges of government education, it is essential to consider a unique Biblical foundation for children's education. Psalm 127:3-5 metaphorically describes children as arrows, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and shaping them intentionally. The scripture states, "Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward, As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of the youth." This divine perspective underscores the significance of parents in crafting the spiritual and moral foundation of their children.
Parents as Primary Educators:
The responsibility for shaping the impact of these metaphorical arrows lies primarily with parents. Parents are the primary "crafters" of the arrow, the architects of their children's development, surpassing the influence of government, religious organizations, and educational establishments. Parents understand their children's unique needs, aspirations, and values. They have been called by God and entrusted with the authority and responsibility to train and guide them on a Christ-centered journey.
Children should be raised to be morally upright, skillful, and sober-minded. They should be taught to have a clear Christ-centered focus and to aim carefully at His desires for their life rather than being misguided, distorted, or perverted. We must guide our children's spiritual growth and empower them to exercise their faith. This way, we equip them to resist the enemy's influence and stay focused on their God-given purpose.
Shaping Spiritual Palates:
Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of early spiritual guidance for children and being mindful of whom or what develops ungodly hunger in them. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." As careful consideration is given to their physical well-being, shaping their spiritual taste buds early on is crucial for long-term impact. The choices made for children can have a lasting effect on their lives, and parents must prioritize instilling Godly values and principles.
Historical Timeline and Influential Figures:
A historical timeline from 1635 to today reveals the influence of individuals who shaped the education system. From Robert Owens and John Dewey to Alfred Kinsey and the Supreme Court's decisions in the 1960s, there has been a gradual shift towards secular humanism. The Alice Bailey 10 Point Plan, banning prayer and Bible reading in schools, and adopting Common Core further reflect the intentional restructuring of the education system.
The Role of Influential Organizations:
Planned Parenthood, SIECUS, UNESCO, and the United Nations contribute to shaping guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education. The movement promotes ideas and practices that go against God's divine order for the family, including the celebration of Masturbation Month and the promotion of controversial ideologies in public schools.
Challenges in Illinois Education:
Illinois faces specific challenges, including the integration of LGBT history (HB0246) into public school curricula and the implementation of Public Act 102-0522 (SB818), which mandates Comprehensive Sexual Education from kindergarten to 12th grade. Additionally, controversial policies, such as co-ed bathrooms (HB1286) in Chicago Public Schools and the Repeal of Parental Notification for Abortion (HB 370), raise concerns about the well-being of children.
Academic Decline and Financial Burden:
Despite increasing taxes, students' academic proficiency in public schools is declining. Reading and math skills are alarmingly low, with 83% struggling in reading and 92% failing in math in Chicago Public Schools. The financial burden on taxpayers has increased, raising questions about the return on investment in government education.
Historical Reflection and Black Education:
A historical perspective highlights the impact of the U.S. education system on black students, perpetuating control and oppression instead of empowerment. The misrepresentation of black history and culture in the curriculum, coupled with low proficiency, has contributed to educational disparities among our children, particularly those from low-income families.
Solutions and Reimagining Education:
Reforming government education is not the answer; education needs to be reimagined. I strongly emphasize a mass exodus from the current system and advocate for alternatives such as homeschooling, establishing private schools and micro-schools, or seeking reputable institutions that align with traditional values.
Empowering Black Families:
We all possess the inherent power to create, which is deeply rooted in our God-given DNA. For example, Booker T. Washington believed in empowering Black Americans through practical education focused on economic independence and self-sufficiency, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.
Washington supported and emphasized the importance of black people running their own schools, taking charge of their own education, and having greater autonomy over curriculum content and teaching methods. This way, Black Americans could tailor their education to address the needs and aspirations of their communities specifically.
Washington's vision for black-owned schools became a reality in the 1910s. By the 1940s, over 5,000 schools had been built, serving over 600,000 students who attended Rosenwald schools until the 1960s. In the 1950s and 1960s, as public schools were finally being desegregated, it was unfortunate that a significant number of Rosenwald schools had to close. Some school districts even demolished the buildings; most Rosenwald schools were abandoned and left to deteriorate.
Upon reflection, it becomes apparent that it may not have been beneficial for Blacks to have entered government schools. Even Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. expressed concerns, stating, "I fear I am integrating my people into a burning house."
Jochebed's Wisdom and Call to Action:
In the face of a perverse society, it is high time to stop fighting for children, especially black children, to enter or stay in an educational system that is working as intended. It is functionally broken and, to be frank, unrepairable.
The harmful impacts of dumbing children down, the sexual and cultural indoctrination, as well as racial disparities, on students are unconscionable and can no longer be ignored. I believe there is a small window of grace to rescue our children from these indoctrinated cesspools.
It is a call to action for parents, educators, churches, and policymakers to come together, take action, and emulate Jochebed's wisdom by getting children out of harm's way. We must get them out of these burning houses of bondage before it's too late.
In Mathew 18:6, it is stated, "But whosoever shall offend (cause to sin, harm or mistreat) one of these little ones which believe in me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea."
There are severe consequences for those who offend children. Anyone who causes harm, mistreatment, or leads a child into sin should be held accountable. It is our sacred responsibility to protect children who have faith in Christ and to nurture and safeguard their beliefs. The imagery of a millstone being hung around one's neck and being drowned in the depths of the sea vividly illustrates the severe judgment that awaits those who harm or lead children astray.
Conclusion:
Jochebed's legacy inspires mothers and everyone, urging us to act with faith and wisdom in safeguarding our children from harmful influences. In the light of Jochebed's wisdom, the call to navigate the challenges of education with faith and discernment resounds. Our collective responsibility is to protect the spiritual well-being of children and guide them toward a future centered on Christ. Just as Jochebed's obedience bore fruit in her son's destiny, our steadfast response will anchor future generations in righteousness and unwavering faith.
With more than 17 years of experience as home educators, my husband and I, along with many others in the movement to rescue children from indoctrination, stand as beacons of hope in the field of education. We are passionate about a Christ-centered approach that brings restoration and hope to families.
To learn more about our community engagement, please visit www.epic4change.org.