The Purpose of a Christian School

Just some thoughts I have about the purpose of a Christian school. . .

What is the primary responsibility of a Christian school? Is it to have a championship football team? An award winning yearbook? A high percentage of AP students passing their tests?

I don't think so. When Jesus spoke of not storing up earthly treasures, I think the above things fall into that category. These are things that bring temporary pleasure. They are the outward things that man looks at.

But Scripture says that the Lord looks at the heart. Some day when the football player stands before the Lord, is the Lord going to care how many yards the player ran, how many touchdowns he scored or how many games he won in a season? When the editor of the yearbook stands before the Lord, is the Lord going to ask how many awards she earned? Does it mater to the Lord if AP students scored a 5 on their test or even if they passed at all?

No. What is really going to matter to Jesus is if each of these kids' names are written in the Book of Life. What does it profit a student, teacher, coach, principal to gain a winning season, numerous awards or a high test score if he loses his soul?

The primary responsibility then of a Christian school should be to lead students to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And if they already have one or once the student enters into that relationship, he then needs to be discipled in how to live out his faith.

This is not to say that Christian schools should not have these activities. All of these give students a chance to demonstrate and grow in their gifts and talents. But students, teachers and coaches should be encouraged to do their best not to please man, but to please the Lord. It also needs to be understood, however, that doing your best doesn't always mean you are going to win every game, earn every award or pass every test.

One day we are all going to stand before the Lord and answer for our lives. I hope and pray that each one will be able to give an account that will please the Lord. The greatest reward will be to hear "well done good and faithful servant."