The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. Psalm 24.1

Contrary to the opinion of some, Christians do not despise study and learning of “worldly” subjects. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it; He upholds and sustains all things by His Word of power. Thus we should expect to discover in the works of God, throughout creation and culture, intimations of His presence and aspects of His glory (Ps. 19.1-4; Prov. 25.2). With the Word of God as our foundation, helping us to grow in love for and fear of God, as well as love for our neighbors, every subject becomes legitimate for study, as long as we do so on the foundation and following the cornerstone of the Word and Law of God.

Further, because all things are created by Christ, upheld by Christ, and ruled by Christ, then all things may be put to use in further His work of building His Church and advancing His Kingdom (Eph. 1.15-23). We must teach our children to prepare for life as a vocation from God, Who calls all of us to His Kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2.12); and we must equip them to enter every vocation as an arena for carrying out that calling.

In the unbelieving educational systems of the world, the works of God are taught, but they are not acknowledged. Thus, they are neither truly nor fully understood, since they do not lead to improved knowledge of God and love for Him. In this Christian world this must not be the case. As we labor to realize an economy of justice and love, and the shalom of God, we will instruct our children to see all the works of God in creation and culture – even those seriously corrupted by sin – as having a place in that economy, and as legitimate topics for study and disciplines for carrying out our callings as citizens and ambassadors in the Kingdom of God.

T. M. Moore

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