"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).

Years ago, I went to a basketball game between a Christian school and an area public school, and I was confused by the multitude of cereal boxes in the stands of the public school. Later, I learned that the public school perceived the families at the Christian school as people who saw themselves as better than the rest. The cereal boxes were all from a brand that claimed to be "just a little bit better."

Sadly, for a long time, families who choose to send their children to secular schools have perceived Christian school families as pious. Unfortunately, those in the Christian school movement have done little to clear up this misunderstanding. The truth of the matter is that Christians should choose a God-centered education for their children because of a keen sensitivity that they and their children are sinners in need of a Savior. We should all say as the apostle Paul did in 1 Timothy 1:15b, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

Children are a gift from God. As Christian parents, we are expected to bring them up in the fear and knowledge of God, and we should promise to do everything in our power to instruct our children in the faith. That is a difficult task in today's world, and parents need the support of family, friends, the church, and Christian teachers and curriculum to do that.

In reality, sending children to a secular institution could be viewed as the more arrogant approach. After all, in a public school setting, curriculum is often taught from a humanistic worldview. To be confident that your children will always be able to discern whether the information presented agrees with a Christian worldview is a rather conceited view of your child, especially in the elementary years.

Because God has entrusted so much to us as parents, we must prayerfully consider the education possibilities for our children. While it is not appropriate to say that people in a Christian school are "just a little bit better," let us hope and pray that the instruction found there, rooted in the Word of God, is indeed the best education possible!

Father, help me to remember that everyone is in need of your love and salvation. Use my life as a Christian educator to reach out not only to the students I teach every day, but also to those outside my life in need of the Good News. Make me a gracious and humble messenger for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.