That Which Sets Us Apart: Education for Our Time (part 2)

"Coming from a parental perspective, I'm probably more interested in cultivating my child's moral nobility, integrity and spiritual virtues than their academic education. I'm beginning to think that not only is this more difficult to grasp for the student than academics, but it's just as difficult to teach because it involves the teacher (and parents) striving for the same qualities." Kimberly Altman

This comment was posted by my daughter regarding Education for Our Time.  She humors me by reading my notes and leaves a comment or two now and then .  We usually chat about our views on life, education, family, society, and faith. She is one of my many sounding boards. But her comment above gave me pause to reflect on what is the main point of education.

If we as Christian educators and as people who profess faith in Christ fail to instill a sense of "moral nobility, integrity, and spiritual values" in our students we are offering nothing more than a mere academic education; we fail to fulfill our calling and purpose. 

Our task is not easy, but accomplishing something like this never will be. It's a choice we must make everyday; to bring our very best into the classroom and in our interactions with our students. We do not strive to teach a valueless education, but one that is unapologetically value-laden.  Let us teach our students values that will last them throughout their lifetime.

"...From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Luke 12:48