Sometimes I get so passionate about a topic that I get upset and frustrated. Sometimes I get so passionate about something that I forget the perspectives and experiences of others. I am learning that in my passionate moments, I must be careful to not make a point, but rather make a difference. I must be careful to only point people to Jesus, because without Him there is no point!
This post is in response to this article about Mississippi's ground breaking decision on prayer in school.
I would like to share my perspective on the issue. First, I went to public school for 16 years, kindergarten-twelfth grade and then a public university for all three years. I graduated with a degree in history and a minor in political science. I have actually studied a lot of the law regarding this subject. I have had discussions with Christ followers regarding this topic. I have had discussions with Christ haters on this topic. I watched a non-believing professor walk out of a class as he was "battered" on this topic by well meaning "Christians". I actually prayed in school. I prayed alone. I prayed with friends. I prayed around flag poles. I prayed with sports teams. I prayed silently. And I prayed aloud. I carried prayer cards to all of my college classes when I was trying to "pray without ceasing".
And, I DON'T THINK we should have any type of laws "allowing" prayer in school...
1. Do we really want to live in a country with religious freedom? I say yes! What a blessing! But, I must understand that religious freedom does not mean everyone will have the same "religion". It doesn't mean we will be a christian nation. Religious freedom means the people around me are just as free to worship their god. And, pray to their god. It means people around me are free to pursue things other than Jesus. So, do those of us who pray to the One True God understand the implications of school sponsored prayer? Are we prepared to have a muslim principal have spiritual influence over our children? Are we prepared to have a soccer coach who has different beliefs press those onto our children? All I am saying is that before we rush to "allow" prayer in schools, we must think through the implications in various situations.
2. As my husband said tonight, "the Church has flourished most [in history] when they are least privileged." Following Jesus is not a cool kids club or a fun thing to do. It is a serious and personal decision. It means my life WILL look different than the world around me! When the state and the church begin to merge, we seldom see the church take over the state, but often we see the church diluted with principles of the state. In some countries like Argentina in the 1940's, the church believed they would have more power as education systems were set up, but the state wrote the textbooks and designed the curriculum. The church had to decide whether or not to align with a watered down version of truth. In Europe, we have often seen the church get involved in class wars and lose their ability to share who Jesus is with all people. Let the church be the church! Let people with hearts passionate about Jesus get involved in politics & serve our country. But, the church is not designed to function within a set of political rules and regulations!
3. Of all of the legal implications and practical implications above, what I actually care about is the lives those of us who claim to be Christ followers are choosing to live!!! School prayer is such a minor issue. If I am living as Jesus has called us to live, I doubt that I will need to pray in a situation endorsed by my school? If I have to pray in front of others to show them Jesus then I am clearly missing Jesus! If we would be obsessed about Jesus instead of obsessed about those "keeping us from Jesus", I think our influence would be much greater. If we were truly discipling our children, would we need to worry about whether or not they can pray at an assembly? I am much more concerned about the heart of my children than the appearance of my children. I am much more concerned about them developing a genuine and personal relationship with Jesus than whether their rights are being infringed upon. I am much more concerned about them building relationships with kids far from Jesus and sharing who they are in Christ than I am about them being able to share it on a public stage. So, I am hoping to teach my kids to pray in school...to pray without ceasing in fact. I am hoping they learn to talk to God about every situation they encounter. I am hoping they learn to pray for other with a heart of compassion and mercy. When they encounter opposition, they will know to pray! And, that just might change our schools!
In the end, I am responsible for the discipleship of my children, not the schools and not even the church. So, as my friend Melodye said, prayer in school is a part of the answer, but it just may not look like you thought it should. If we are pursuing Jesus above all other things, I believe He will give us more opportunities than we can imagine to share our faith and point others to the saving grace and abundant life that only He offers. I dare any earthly government or false religion to try and stop the advancement of God's Kingdom! I also believe that it is not the responsibility of the state to advance it. The church and the state are separate entities. God will use His Church! God will use His people! He will prevail! Pursue Jesus! ONLY!
*Thanks to my friends Sharon, Jennifer, and Melodye for their gracious input with this post.
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