The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7, ESV

 

School drop-off is routine for most parents. Whether drop-off is at the bus stop or in the car line, parents hand their treasured blessings off to adults that may or may not have their child’s best interest at heart. When the bell rings, do you know what your children are being exposed to? Sadly, most parents never give it a second thought.

In my research and conversations with parents, many completely trust the public school system. Very few have even considered inquiring about curriculum, books their children have access to, what clubs are offered, or exploring the day-to-day happenings on school campuses. Education oversight is not happening like it should be. Our children’s minds are at risk of being held captive and turning away from the truth more than ever before–even those with a solid, biblical, Christian foundation.

No child is immune.

In school districts across the US, concerned parent groups have discovered much that should give us cause for concern. For example, the enemy is taking full advantage of a breach and is entering through our school media centers. What used to be a safe haven for children to explore and foster a love for reading is now a petri dish for growing a culture devoid of Christian values. Books filled with transgender romances, racist content, and radical gender theory are now promoted, provided, and prominently placed in front of minors.

Have you researched the books on the Book Award Nominees lists or visited a Scholastic Book Fair recently?

Evil and wickedness have already invaded social media. Physical safety is threatened by rampant drug use, lurking sexual groomers, unsafe viral “challenges” and more. Mental health is threatened as TikTok and other platforms isolate children from reality, causing them to be anxious and depressed. Why then would we not seek to halt invaders of the dark from infiltrating the schools?

Here are some tested and proven strategies to guard your children’s hearts from the influence of the evil one:

Pray. Prayer is the greatest weapon to wield against the evil one. Pray for yourself, your children, school officials, administrators, teachers, and others who have authority over your children. Pray over your children daily for God to protect their hearts and minds. Organize a weekly prayer walk around the schools in your district.

Teach. Teach your children the truth of God’s Word. Read books and sing songs that teach God’s Word, and provide books for the older ones to read that promote God’s goodness and truth.

Talk. Talk about the Word of God throughout the day. Talk with your children about what happens  in their classrooms and on their school grounds and how God’s Word speaks to it. Refrain from giving your children devices as long as possible, then monitor their use.

Gather. Make time to gather with other Christians on your knees in prayer for the children. Share with each other what you and your children  see and experience so you know what to look for, what questions to ask, and what topics need to be discussed through a biblical lens in the home.

Be involved. If you’re not already, attend local school board meetings and school events. Visit schools, classrooms, media centers, and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. Your presence matters.

Remember parents, you only have them for a little while. Teach them well, so when the bell rings they will know the truth and the truth will set them free.