Eagle's View Blog
Our Greatest Joy
July 20, 2023
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
- 3 John 4
A young girl leans out of her stroller, straining for the shiny toy necklace in the store window. It may be plastic, and it may be relatively cheap, but to her it is valuable. Something that shiny must be valuable. We smile at the misguided earnestness of a sweet child. She is simple and naïve, though eager. But we may not be as amused if an adult acted the same way. Imagine the scene if the girl’s mother pays top dollar for the plastic necklace but completely overlooks the diamond pendant couched on a dark pillow under the counter. This would be ironic and ultimately tragic.
In a sense, our society has learned to value the wrong things, pursuing them at the expense of truth. We often seek entertainment over meaning, comfort over growth, experience over accomplishment, trifles over truth. And our children grow up learning to prioritize those same things. In a time when truth is rare, it becomes even more valuable. Truth is the one indispensable commodity, the key to seeing and living in light of reality. This way of living brings stability, even joy. So John expresses what every parent and teacher hope to say: that his children continue to walk in truth.
This, then, is the goal of a distinctly Christian education. We are convinced that the God of heaven has created us and designed us with true personhood as male and female. He has defined moral reality, ordaining truths and commands that will best equip us to live and enjoy His gift of life. And in His greatest of acts, He has sent His Son Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth, to model a truly godly life and to save His people from their sins. This grand understanding of reality, of truth, defines our mission as a Christian school.
Truth forms the foundation to the education that we provide at Flushing Christian School. More than informing children’s minds, we are forming their hearts and instincts to know, recognize, and love truth. In short, we long for them to value and walk in truth.
This happens in our opening assembly, when we recite the pledges, a core Scriptural verse, and rehearse our honor code. Truth appears in the Bible classes, both the instructional and the devotional aspects of the period. Truth forms the lesson plans for the day, orienting every subject to adhere to the realities revealed in Scripture. Truth underlies the experiences and exercises of our electives. Truth is present when the co-valedictorian of the Class of 2022 reminds his peers of the truths they have learned, or when his fellow co-valedictorian prays over her classmates.
Because we invest in truth, we are certain of a joyful outcome.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
How should we pray for our children?
April 27, 2023
Our children face an unprecedented set of challenges. Consider these overwhelming obstacles:
- lack of societal morals
- mental/emotional pressures
- international instability
- the stress of urban living
How should we pray for our children? This vital question prompted our PTFA to develop a 21-week series of prayer emphases. We pray for the Lord to give our children salvation, protection, wisdom, and purity. They must have godly friends, a love for God and others, a sense of calling, strong faith, and many more. You can see each week’s theme below or follow our weekly social media updates. Let’s pray for our children!
21 Weeks of Prayer for the Children
Easter Week: Easter Sunday
April 08, 2023
Despite the praise of the crowds on Palm Sunday, Jesus knew the enthusiasm would fade. His mission was greater than just deliverance from political oppression by pagan Romans. He had a higher calling than merely healing disease or providing free food. He was sent by the Father, appointed as Messiah, to save His people from an even greater, even deeper enemy: their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Such salvation would require the deepest level of commitment and endurance. He must live a righteous, sin-free life. He must be condemned to die a bloody cross-death. And there, suspended between earth and heaven as a divine lightning rod, He must take on the sins of humanity (1 Peter 2:24) so He could then absorb the righteous anger of the holy God on sin.
But the salvation wouldn't be complete unless the Son of God must rise from the dead. His body wouldn't decay but would be resurrected with new life from the Father. Now, ascended to the Father and having granted His Spirit to empower His followers, Jesus Christ will soon appear to claim full rights over heaven and earth.
May you delight in the tragedy and glory of this Easter weekend. May you be embarrassed by the grave effects of your sin and the extent to which Jesus must suffer. And may you be astounded by His infinite love and absolute commitment to providing you ultimate salvation. Happy Easter! He is risen!
Easter Week: Palm Sunday
April 03, 2023
The scene of the first day of what we’ve come to name “Holy Week” is quite ironic. We see a crowd of people welcoming Jesus, inviting Him as Savior as He enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The same crowd of people who cry out, “Hosanna, Son of David! Save us:” will a few days later cry out, “Away with Him!” Israel, weary of occupation and oppression by the Roman government, was looking for a savior from their present circumstances. They were willing to accept Jesus as this savior until it was clear that the salvation He offered was not the kind they were looking for.
As believers we too have to guard against a fickle allegiance to Jesus as our Savior. When we cry out for Jesus to save us from our present situation: financial strain, physical pain, relationship issues, the stress of responsibilities, etc., we need to be careful not to become bitter, angry, and discouraged when Christ doesn’t save us on our terms. Just like with Israel, our personal salvation is only a part of God’s wider plan. We don’t know where or how our current sufferings fit into this wider plan but we can trust our loving Father that it is a good fit.
Life Unplugged
February 18, 2023
Happy week off! How will you celebrate your winter break? Let us suggest one hope-giving idea.
Help your child unplug and enjoy many other activities during their break. From baking, and arts & craft fun, to the overdue cleaning out of a closet, and visiting with extended family, you can enjoy lifelong memories.
The extra time off may also mean extra screen time for our students, which can be harmful. Here are ways you can help your child use their time wisely.
Internet Safety: A Parent's Guide
- Step 1. Keep the computer in a public place
- Step 2. Review rules of computer use
- Step 3. Do not tolerate cyber-bullying
- Step 4. Know who your child talks to online
- Step 5. Don't give out personal information
Enjoy being present with your child, for it is one of God's most precious gifts to us as parents.
Want to learn more?
Explore this podcast episode with Andy Crouch, author of The Tech-wise Family:
Make Real Life Compelling, 1000 Hours Podcast
Image Credit: Kelly Sikkema | unsplash.com