"Now what?" to the Sovereignty of God

Simply understanding truth is not enough for the Creator of the universe in developing a biblical worldview of education. He not only wants understanding of truth, but also response to truth. I think one great truth that can and should shape our thinking about education is the sovereignty of God. As I’ve been considering how the sovereignty of God makes a difference for educators, I want to suggest some ways we can teach differently.

Implication #1: Because God is sovereign over all creation, I think all educational instruction and training is accountable to God. So how can we teach differently in light of this truth?

1) Design a strategic professional development program for teachers. Without regular training in our different roles, we miss a lot of chances to grow and do not serve those we lead. With a framework for teaching, we can reflect on our own work in the classroom and set goals for professional improvement. This program should include in-service seminars that facilitate discussions about best-practices for the classroom, teacher observations from peers and veteran teachers, and personalized professional development plans with goals, timetables, and plans for achieving those goals. Because we answer to the King, let's not be careless with our work, but instead pursue excellence. This will gain the attention not only of God but our other authorities (Proverbs 22:29).

2) We work hard. I think we should set the pace for our students. In other words, we give God and our students everything we got, so that when we stand before God on that last day, we do not have to be ashamed. Like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), we should faithfully use the gifts and potential God has given us for the good of our students. So, how many hours do I work when nobody is watching? How do I use my time and opportunities to learn and grow as a teacher?

3) I think we can also challenge laziness in our own lives and in our students. There is a God in this universe and we're not him. We cannot do whatever we like. There’s a day of reckoning for all of us, a day when all accounts will be settled. Like the sluggard in Proverbs, poverty will come upon us without warning (Proverbs 24:33-34), and on that day we will be asked, “Did you not know this day would come?”

4) We work for his approval. Paul charged Timothy to do his best to work for the approval of God (2 Timothy 2:15). We too should work zealously and enthusiastically for God's approval rather than the approval of man, parents, or students.