I'm sharing today's installment of this devotional by Daily Focus. I receive daily installments via email about leaning on God through the homeschool experience. I left the link to subscribe if you're interested in the encouragement they provide.
We have been the recipient of some comments already in our education decision. We are obeying this call on the direction for our family. God has a different calling for each family. I know it's not for everyone and I don't judge others who chose a different path. Some comments other make in a casual off handed manner intending to be funny can cut others. The comment made can be rooted in misunderstanding, lack of knowledge and casual observations or isolated negative incidents with the subject at hand. Comments may reflect a different set of priorities, values, experience or perspectives. How comments effect those around us is not about a thick verses thin skin. It's about compassion, empathy, honor, respect and love for each other. Criticisms, judgement and negativity are not fruits of the spirit. Yes, Jesus made laughter, joy, humor and celebrating. If any action or speech is at the expense of someone else's dignity or values, it's never from God. His rules for treating others are clear and best.
Unfair Labels
March 12, 2012
What labels have been placed on your children because they homeschool? During our years of homeschooling, my children faced innuendos that ranged from mental retardation to religious fanatic. Today, the media still portrays homeschoolers as naive, unfashionably dressed nerds. Even though studies prove the contrary, public educators also insist that homeschoolers are deprived of proper socialization. Why does the word "homeschooling" bring out such nastiness in people?
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Unfair labels are nothing new. When Christ lived on Earth, He suffered from being misunderstood by the multitudes, Jewish leaders, and even His friends and family. Unfair labels like trouble maker, demon possessed, and foolish fanatic were placed on Him as He told the world about the Kingdom of God and His love. Although the label placed above Christ's head on the cross was intended to mock Him, it was the one label the world got right when it read, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (Luke 23:38b).
So, how do you live in a negative, anti-homeschooling world and not become negative yourself? As Christian homeschoolers, we seem to receive a double whammy from the world — unfair labels for our faith and unfair labels for our homeschooling. As hurtful as these labels can be, Christ can help us forgive and move beyond the painful remarks when they come. Jesus' example of love on the cross showed us the way when He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:24).
Lord, strengthen me to stand against the world's opinion of homeschoolers. Teach me to love as You loved when You died on the cross. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This first verse is where I live. I don't get the chance often anymore to listen to the radio but I did this morning and this is the song I heard. Anyone else relate???
Steven Curtis Chapman - Do Everything Lyrics
You’re picking up toys on the living room floor
for the 15th time today
Matching up socks and sweeping up lost
Cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips
and head out the door
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
Well let me remind you it all matters just as long as you
Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do
OOoh ooooh oooooh
Maybe you’re that guy with the suit and tie
Maybe your shirt says your name
You may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgers
But at the end of the day
Little stuff big stuff in between stuff
God sees it all the same
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do
Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you
To do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing that you do
Well maybe you’re sitting in math class
Maybe on a mission in the Congo
Maybe you’re working at the office
Singing along with the radio
Maybe you’re dining at a five star
Or feeding orphans in Myanmar
Anywhere and everywhere you are
Whatever you do it all matters
So do what you do and don’t ever forget
to do
Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace as you do
Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing that you do
