Two Thoughts Converging

Last night in my class we were talking about kingdom theology. This is the idea that we Christians are to seek first the kingdom of God and to pray that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Ancient Near Eastern culture, one way the king established his dominion was by multiplying his image throughout the kingdom (typically statues, etc.). God, our King, is establishing His dominion by multiplying His image through humans, those made in His image. Thus the command to be fruitful and multiply, subdue the earth and rule it, etc. As Christians, we actually have a responsibility to have children and to train them to follow God. Interesting, isn't it? In our world where children are viewed as an inconvenience and more than 2 is definitely viewed as odd...

So today at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), we had a panel discussion on homeschooling vs. private schools vs. public schools and the pros and cons of each. It was really enlightening, and no one was overbearing in their opinion. My "take away" thought, though, was that no matter what we choose we have an obligation to be involved. Even if we choose private school, it is no one else's job to train our children in the things of the Lord. If we choose public school, we better be getting our little tails over there to get to know the teachers, the principals, the curriculum, our children's friends, etc. I'm not saying we shouldn't let our children breathe, but we need to know what other sources they are being influenced by. I always say I will never homeschool. I'm still not sold on it, but after today I'm more open to the idea. There are so many more options out there now (ie. doing a hybrid with the public schools, community college, professionals in the area willing to teach a certain subject, etc.).

I started to get a little smug last night that I was doing my part in building God's kingdom (having 3 children in 4 years), but then the weight of the responsibility sunk in. First, I'm just thankful that God has allowed us to have children. Not everyone can, and that doesn't make them less obedient to God. But then bearing the children is only the beginning. Now their souls are at stake, not to mention the souls of all the others God has placed in my life (and in missions fields). Thankfully God is in charge, not me. I would be crushed under the weight of all this, but it is a little sobering to think about how complacent I have become. God has initiated this covenant with me; now it is my turn to respond. What does this mean exactly? I have no idea, but I am at least motivated to start seeking the answer to that question.