Recently I have been going through a recertification process to stay current in my job. To do this, I am required to read numerous books and write a detailed paper on my "Philosophy of Christian Education". As I have been reading through the books, there are many strategies of how to teach, ideas on what to teach, opinions on the best ways to integrate Scripture or explain a Christian worldview. Each book presents what the author believes to be the greatest challenge in Christian education and reqources to overcome this challenge. However, I was struck by the particular thought in one of the books that read, "The challenge is a great one; it is for the Christian teacher who in all he does seeks first the glory of God" (The Pattern of God's Truth, Gaebelein, ACSI, 1954, p. 53). Most of the other books pointed to challenges of a political, social, emotional or physical nature. Rules, laws, books, curriculum, environment, etc. However this author makes the correct evaluation that for Christian education to be properly taught, it first requires Christian teachers who are living out the Word of God and have His Spirit living inside of them. This made me think about the rest of my life. It can be easy for me to talk about living a "Christian life" because of the big things...church...reading Scripture personally...prayer time...giving...serving. Yet at the heart of the Gospel, the thouroughly Christian life is the one that chooses moment by moment MORE of JESUS and less of self. The Christian life is one that cooks, cleans, shops, talks, eats, runs, works, loves, serves, runs errands, makes beds, writes papers, makes dinner, balances checkbooks, encourages husband, raises children with an attitude that seeks first the glory of God in all that is done. Not that self would be noticed, recognized or applauded but that God would receive much glory due to His name. May this be true of our lives today. Seek FIRST His GLORY!
