The American Crisis
In a recent chapel at Word of God Academy, our Pastor asked, "What is our purpose in life?" A second grader raised his hand and his response caused me to fall out of my chair: "To bring Glory to God." He answered a question that many people spend their lives seeking in just five words. Simple, yet incredibly profound. While we chase dreams, goals, and aspirations, the true crisis in America is that we’re not focused on glorifying God in everything we say and do. One of the principles of Kingdom Education addresses this very issue.
Honestly, I can’t answer this question more clearly than by turning to God’s Word. The education of children and youth must equip them to fulfill God’s highest purpose for humanity: to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:26-27
“I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” Psalms 19:1-3
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with a key question: What is the chief end of man? The answer is clear: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Looking at the Scriptures above, we see that God created everything, including humanity, for His glory. This means the education we provide should prepare children to fulfill God’s highest purpose: to glorify Him in all that they think, say, and do.
Every Christian parent desires blessings and success for their children. However, Isaiah 42:8 reminds us that God will only act for His glory. Therefore, education must equip students to live lives that glorify Him. But what does it mean, practically, to glorify God?
As Dr. Gary Inrig puts it, "One’s glory is one’s reputation… God’s glory is not just His reputation, but His revealed character, the display of His attributes. To glorify someone is to increase his reputation by revealing his true nature... to glorify God is to live in such a way that His character is displayed and His praise is increased."
God’s purpose for education is that every young person would be so trained that their life displays God’s character, increasing His praise and glory.
This is the American crisis
Mr. Euler has over 20 years of experience working in Christian Schools, 13 as a Head of School and is currently the Head of School at Word of God Academy, Shreveport, LA., a ministry of Word of God Ministries.
Website www.wogacademy.org
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