Public School Made Me A Better Christian | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Public School Made Me A Better Christian

We serve a God who is strong enough to shape us—regardless of the school we attend.

14
Public School Made Me A Better Christian
Christianity.com

I was raised in a Christian household.

I attended a public school from the time I started kindergarten until I graduated high school.

In Christian communities, these two statements are often viewed as mutually exclusive. Lots of Christians don't send their kids to public schools. Not necessarily in a judgmental, holier-than-thou type of way (although, believe me, I've received plenty of sneers and ignorant comments about how perverse our public school system is over the years,) but instead because other schooling techniques are more able to instill students with a Christian worldview, which is a valid reason to forgo public schooling.

Now I attend a private, Christian college, and I'm certainly behind many of my classmates when it comes to more minute knowledge of the Bible and theology. My peers gained this knowledge in classes taken over 12 years time—classes that I had no access to at my public school. This initial difference between myself and my classmates was a little disheartening. I found myself wishing that I could have had the same education they were able to have.

But after further reflection and discussion with friends who attended Christian schools, I realized that much like they were able to grow in certain ways at their schools, I too was able to grow in certain ways at mine. My public school helped me grow and mature as a Christian, just as Christian schools do for those who attend them. I've come to appreciate how God used the schooling I received to teach me priceless lessons.

That being said, here are the four biggest reasons why I am indescribably grateful to have attended a public school:

1. I Had Countless Opportunities to Share My Faith

Every school day, I was surrounded by hurting people, droves of which were open about their rejection of Christianity or religion in general. God was always providing opportunities for me to speak truth into my classmates' lives about how much He loves them. Did I always take these opportunities? No, unfortunately I didn't. But I did take some of them, and was blessed to see God work in the lives of my peers.

2. I Was Mocked

Christianity isn't popular. A person that's sold out for Jesus and striving to live accordingly is going to be made fun of by people who aren't doing the same. And there were innumerable instances when my beliefs stood out among my classmates, and taunting comments were often made (most lightheartedly, but some maliciously.) But the wonderful thing about being mocked is the opportunity it gives one to respond with grace and use that instance to be an example of Jesus to a lost world.

3. I Was Challenged

Many of my peers had extremely well-thought out reasons for rejecting religion, and these would regularly come up in the middle of casual conversations while completing an English assignment. Most times, I had no way to respond to their arguments because I had no knowledge of what they were discussing. This meant I had to dig into whatever topic it was and come to my own conclusions. I personally always saw how everything pointed back to my God, which worked to strengthen my faith and enabled me to speak about my faith with well-reasoned thoughts.

4. I Saw Adult Christians Thrive in a Secular Environment

This is one of the things I am most grateful for from my time at a public school. Obviously, public school teachers are not allowed to discuss their personal beliefs in class without a student directly asking them to, but it was inspiring for me to see teachers who still managed to be shining examples of Christ. Whether it was because of the patience with which they handled difficult students and situations, or the convictions they lived their lives with, everyone knew what these teachers believed in and respected them for how they lived out those beliefs. Through their example, these teachers taught me how to radiate Christ in an environment where you cannot openly preach the Gospel, and I will never be able to thank them enough.

Education in itself is a beautiful thing, regardless of where it takes place. But what's even more beautiful is that we serve a God who is powerful enough to grow us, regardless of which type of school we attend.

What do you think? How did God use the school you attended to shape you into who you are today?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187664
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13263
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456635
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25869
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments