The
Separat
ion
of
church
and
life
By Megan Clark
A
PERVASIVE MYTH HAS SPREAD into families in
ately needs oneness with their Savior and guiding them
the Church; the separation of church and life. It’s easy
towards Him in every aspect of life, day in and day out.
to slip into this separatist mindset leaving spiritual growth
Somewhere along the line it was determined that the
to pastors, Sunday school teachers, and youth group leaders.
school desk was a predetermined space to instill head
It’s even easier for parents to assume a few hours a week at
knowledge. But this is a ripe ground for sowing seeds of
church will be enough to disciple the children of God.
God in souls. Homeschooling, for us, is not a choice for
The remaining days of the week are filled with academic
higher test grades or progressive educational techniques. It
pursuits, sports practices, sleep-overs, piano lessons, swim
is the God-given hours in a day to equip our young men in
meets, and science projects. The calendar, the curriculum,
mind and spirit. Our “school” days are ripe with opportuni-
and the culture shape the mold of our children’s souls, and
ties to further “teach them [scriptures] to our sons.” Physics,
before we know it, a new genera-
mathematics, history—all testify to
tion of over-achieving workaholics
God’s existence and provides solid
emerge to join the rat race for corpo-
launching points for His truths.
"Without an eternally grounded
rate success or tangible accolades.
Our parenting goal is to disciple
mindset, all of these earthly
Without an eternally grounded
men after God’s own heart to
achievements are grasping at
mindset, all of these earthly achieve-
become mighty leaders and King-
ments are grasping at wind and lack
wind and lack a sure foundation." dom builders. And education, the
a sure foundation.
learning of ABC’s, how caterpillars
Fighting against this current is a
make cocoons, weights and pulleys,
Jericho size battle, but with a specific plan God gave in fight-
tides and currents, seasons and time, adding and subtracting,
ing for our children’s hearts, the walls will fall. In Deuter-
creation and redemption—all of it, is discipleship.
onomy 11:19 God says, “You shall teach them to your sons,
One day our children will grow into the roles God has
talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk
prepared for them. Whether their calling takes them to grad
along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
school, corporate workplaces, ministry or any other voca-
This is God’s command to parents to disciple their children;
tion, our building an early and firm foundation will only
to teach and instruct their hearts, minds, wills, and souls
serve to provide them a sure footing in a world full of doubt
towards Jesus Christ.
and chaos. The battle plans have already been given; we only
Discipleship isn’t a Sunday morning bulletin agenda, nor a
need to follow, and our children will grow to enter the world
once a week meeting, not even a daily pep talk. It’s a lifestyle.
as valiant soldiers, steady and sure, ready to serve God.
It’s a sunrise to sunset, walking and talking, breathing and
Megan Clark is a homeschooling mom to three boys, who
eating, moment by moment conscience choice to build into
keep her pediatric nursing skills sharp. She is married to Mat-
thew Clark, an attorney with the American Center for Law and
the lives of your children as parents, stewards, and Kingdom
Justice. Living in Washington D.C. has given their family daily
builders. Discipleship is not a casual commitment to learn
opportunities to explore and learn. Between hiking, running,
baking, making messes, photography, and blogging, Megan
a few Bible verses and pray before meals. It’s understanding
and Matthew keep Christ the head of their household as they
grow alongside their boys in becoming more like Him.
that the child in your arms has an eternal soul that desper-
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