Homeschooling Is Not About Academics, It’s About Discipleship

Homeschooling, to me, is not about academics, but about discipleship. My main goal in homeschooling my children has never been to produce college students. I do not believe in “teaching for the test” or in the meticulous “clocking of hours” of study. That would be just doing public school at home. Are there certain requirements we must meet? Yes, but it is our privilege to “major on the majors” and not the “minors”. To quote Steve and Jane Lambert of Five In A Row, “We are not trying to do School At Home, we are trying to do Homeschool. These are two entirely different propositions. We are not trying to replicate the time, style or content of the classroom. Rather we are trying to cultivate a lifestyle of learning in which learning takes place from morning until bedtime seven days each week. The “formal” teaching portion of each day is just the tip of the iceberg.” My own goals have always been to disciple them to live according to the Word of God; to help them to discern the Voice of God and what He has called them to do in this life, and to spark within them a joy of lifelong learning. If their quest for more knowledge leads them to seek out higher education or if their particular callings require a university degree, then I will wholeheartedly support them in that endeavor. I do not believe college is for everyone, especially not every young adult. Many would be wise to work; save some money; pursue interests;  hone social and life skills; seek opportunities to serve in various capacities in churches, community organizations or missions; or take time away from distractions to focus on praying about the vision the Lord has placed within them to understand clearly the next step required in training for that plan.

Education does not equate wisdom, even though much of modern society believes this. Education is never a good substitute for the leading of the Spirit of God. Nor is an education and pursuit of a certain career a guarantee to future financial stability. The economic system of our nation is constantly changing. Some professions change over time or become obsolete. But with God, we have inside information if we are willing to do what it takes to seek Him. God’s ways are much higher than the world’s ways. And we’ve definitely seen in recent years how training for and investing in a degree does not equate to a career in the said profession when you are finished. Many young professionals are trying to start out in life saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in debt and little joy in the occupation that they once thought they’d be interested in. As parents, our focus should be in training our children to accurately understand God’s plan for their life. That alone is what will make their way prosperous and ensure their good success. As parents, we will be held accountable as to whether we hindered or encouraged God’s calling for their lives. God’s supply always flows with His plan! When they come in line with that, they have a firm footing on His promise of provision and can be assured they will be FULLY FUNDED. Because God is not required to fund “our” plans, but He will always make funding available for His plan.