No doubt this title catches the attention of many on this day in which of one of the most important presidential elections in history is taking place. The truth? Every election is historic. Every election is important. But no one election is the key to the future of America. Why? Politics are downstream of religion.
My family is extremely active in the political arena. We always have been. My parents both held elected office. I remember as a young boy sitting in a building storefront with dozens of others in my hometown on the night of various elections, waiting for the returns to come in during the early morning hours. I also remember sitting in the back seat of my parents’ car on cold October evenings as they went door to door, asking for votes. After I pen these words today, my children and I will be walking the streets in our county, campaigning for a dear friend who shares our values. It is not only a civic duty, but it is my privilege as a freedom-loving American.
All that being said, D.C. is not the answer to the future of America; instead, D.C. is a reflection of what already is in American. As I said in the opening paragraph, politics are downstream of religion. Do you want to know if a nation is on a morale or immoral trajectory? All you need to do is look at the spiritual and moral barometers of church and family life. This is why homeschooling is so important.
I am often asked what is one of the most important aspects of parenting overall and of homeschooling specifically. Some expect me to stress academic rigor. Others think will talk about the importance of discipline of schedule and behavior. Still more think it is about having the right resources. While all of these are obviously significant, my answer is much simpler, it is all about consistency. Young people are looking for something to sink their teeth into. If we say God is important to us but we seldom open the Bible in our home, our words are nothing more than sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. If our children never see us demonstrating repentance in our relationships or personal conduct, we are not representing the true gospel. One of the quickest ways to provoke our children to wrath is to be quick with words but slow in actions.
When parents share with me a disappointing behavior in their children’s lives, my first question to them is, “What example do you provide for them?” More often than not, there is a hesitation and the head drops. Please understand, we are not talking about perfection but rather living true to what we profess. How can our values be important to our children when they are not that important to us? I realize this is pretty fundamental, but you would probably be surprised how many adults say but do not do. Even worse, they do not confess those inconsistencies to their aging children.
The good news is consistency is something that each of us can address! It is not about our educational pedigree or our athletic abilities or intelligence quota. It is simply living true to our convictions. If fiscal responsibility in government is important to you, live within your means by paying off credit cards each month. If you want your leaders in D.C., Springfield, or Madison to be people of integrity, then you be a person of integrity. If you want your representatives and senators to be true to their word, then you need to seek to do the same, and apologize when you don’t.
While voting, going to political rallies, and listening to various talk show hosts have their place, nothing is a substitute for living out the truth in the home. When you demonstrate godly obedience in the home, you will ultimately change D.C.
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