One of the fringe benefits of traveling often is receiving a free copy of the USA Today. Though I certainly don't consider it to be a resource for well-balanced news, I do enjoy the ease of perusing the pages for quick information, particularly the Life section. I typically find this to be an excellent resource on current social trends.

On a trip in early September, I flipped to the Life weekend edition, which featured USA Today's top ten picks for the fall television season. Covering over one-third of the first page was a picture of the cast from the author's number one pick, the new ABC comedy series Modern Family.

The article noted that ABC's last attempt at airing a family comedy was the successful Home Improvement, which aired from 1991 to 1999. However, in comparing this program to Home Improvement, the author was quick to point out the word "modern" in the title.

"Times and TV have changed, and this big-hearted comedy reflects the switch by expanding its family view," wrote Robert Bianco. "You get the traditional mom-dad-kids mix in the center, but you also have a gay couple with an adopted child on one side, and an older man with a new young wife and step-son on the other."

In a September 20, 2009, article, Chicago Tribune author Scott Collins elaborated further.

"It's also no secret that Americans' conception of what constitutes ‘family' has broadened considerably since the white-picket-fence mythos of Ozzie and Harriet and Leave It to Beaver reigned in the late 1950s and early 1960s."

By the time you read this article, the critics will probably have already written their opinions of the show. My point in writing has nothing to do with the demise or triumph of the program. Instead, I wish to draw your attention to the crucial role you play in mobilizing the upcoming generation in this ever-increasing battle against the traditional family.

Though TV and Americans' conception of a family have indeed changed, God's Word and your call to Christian education have not! The family is the foundational institution of society created by God, and it is the primary reason your Christian school exists.

In many ways, the societal issues we face today are similar in nature to those William Wilberforce confronted. Known for his lifelong fight against slavery, Wilberforce also sought reform in many other sectors of his society. He formed the Clapham Sect, whose members shared the common desire to apply their faith in Jesus Christ to personal, social, political, national, and international matters.

The aging John Wesley wrote the following words to William Wilberforce, encouraging him in his quest against slavery: "Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you?"

While your calling may not be as profound as that of Wilberforce, your ability to persuade and challenge your students to stand for the cause of Christ is vitally important. Who knows? Perhaps your influence and encouragement will inspire your students to form their own Clapham Sect to impact the world.

As Wesley encouraged Wilberforce, we at Alpha Omega Publications® also encourage you. God has in fact "raised you up for this very thing" and will stand with you, as you engage your students in this battle for the future of our nation.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services