THE QUESTION OF SALT & LIGHT

Shouldn’t children be salt and light in the community?

One of the most common concerns raised by Christian parents is that removing children from secular schools would make them less effective witnesses in the wider community. They ask how can children be salt and light in the world if they are in a Christian school? Let us look at the scriptures for answers.

Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Jesus described us as salt. We are to preserve, flavor, enhance and have an impact on our society. Yet in the same scripture, Jesus explains salt can lose its saltiness. Our salty influence in society can be diminished. If this occurs we are described as “good for nothing”.

As Christians, our role is to reform the world around us by winning souls to Christ and discipling them to live for Christ. We are called to be in the world but not of it. Being salt and light is a lifelong calling.

A significant role of the school is helping prepare children for all of life. The 12 or so years spent at school are relatively short when compared with an average life span.

The thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and outlook on life formed during school years can last a lifetime. The vision of Christian schools is not separated from non-Christians. Rather it is about preparation to live life in such a way as to be salt and light wherever and whatever children choose to do.

As parents, a more significant question we must ask ourselves is whether it is healthy to use our children as a means of creating evangelistic opportunities for us. Deliberately immersing a child into an educational culture that denies the existence of God and Jesus’ central role in history should not be treated lightly.

We will all have to give God an account of what we did in our lives. For parents, this will naturally include how we raised our children. Jesus had this warning regarding our treatment of children

Mark 9:42 “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”

Parents need to understand that putting their children under the daily influence of teachers who have a fundamentally different way of seeing life can influence them for life. Fortunately, families who choose a Christian school are still part of the wider society. They can still make friends and influence others whether through sport, child activities, neighbors or a variety of other ways.

In the Bible, children are seen as a blessing. We have one opportunity to raise our children. These years will pass quickly. Christian Schools can help parents in their role.