Restoring a Christ Culture
Every generation since Christ came to earth has experienced trials of one kind or another. And every generation has been encouraged by God to keep the faith. To believe His plans and purposes will prevail—even in this—our hour of trouble.
Imagine Christians living during the days of Rome where life was decadent and people freely engaged in orgies and temple prostitution. Where bloodshed was a spectator sport. To deny the norm in those days was to seem prudish and weird—and judgmental.
They who were once game for all the Roman world had to offer found their conscience pricked by the Holy Spirit and by the letters from Paul. Choosing to live for Christ, to align their homes with a Christ Culture, was surely challenging. No matter how parents must have tried to keep their children protected, the playmates would have certainly revealed the debauchery happening in other households.
A CHRIST CULTURE RESTORED
In this generation, we also have need of instilling a Christ Culture in our home and in the hearts of our children. In spite of the licentiousness from every quarter, as homeschoolers, we have the opportunity to silence the world as best we can and, as Charlotte Mason says, “Secure for them [our children] a quiet growing time.”
To counter the culture with a Christ Culture, we must remember the words of Paul in Colossians 3:17,
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
THROUGH SCIENCE AND NATURE
When we study science, let us point our children’s hearts to the One who created every scientific principle and law. When we go on nature hikes, let our hearts sing in gratitude for every perfect petal, scurrying lizard, chirping bird, and flitting butterfly.
THROUGH HISTORY
History should be taught with the idea of God in mind. For it is all His Story, the work He has done throughout humankind. Let us teach our children that every good thing comes from Him, even the happiness that swells our soul.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
THROUGH BEAUTY IN MUSIC, ART AND POETRY
When we study beautiful art, poetry, hymns, and music, we know the creators of these works were inspired by the One who gifted them with ideas and imagination. Charlotte Mason tells us that every good idea gets its origin from the Divine Spirit.
And because people were inspired by the Holy Spirit to create such beauty, it honors and glorifies God when we learn of and appreciate what He has done through these men and women.
The study of beautiful art is a form of worship as we see the hand of our Savior in the work of man. What a miracle that He made us in His image—that we have been given the marvel of creativity whether in art, science, or any other field.
IN THE WORK OF THEIR HANDS
Our children should know their creativity is a gift from Him. They are made in the Creator of the World’s image. That is why they can imagine unique ideas and embark on creative endeavors. And just by using their creativity, our children are honoring and glorifying God.
What a beautiful way to worship the Lord—by thanking him for His gift as we create new things.
For in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28
THROUGH THE WORD
Let us not neglect to read the Bible to our children, the stories God conveys in his Word. The Divine Spirit is surely capable of causing the Word to germinate, grow, and bear fruit in our children’s hearts and minds. Let us make it a habit to memorize Scripture together, that we may have His Word hidden in our heart.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 191:11
Even, and especially, as our children pursue their academic studies, a Christ Culture should rule and reign.
BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Teach your children to seek God for understanding and for insight, for help in all they pursue and learn. Just as George Washington Carver says, “God is going to reveal to us things He never revealed before if we put our hands in His.”
And God confirms this when he says in Jeremiah 33:3,
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’’
BUILT UPON THE ROCK
In this unstable world, let us resolve to create a Christ Culture in our home so our children will have their house built upon the Rock. So they may stand firm when the world seeks to sway them to accept, embrace, and do as the Romans did.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25
For more Charlotte Mason insight read here.