Goals

I recently read a letter written many years ago from a father to his children. The words are striking, convicting and, most of all, inspiring. I share some of them with you here.

“You cannot doubt, my children, that your parents love you. In all your recollections, we have a witness to this. We have, as you know, done everything to promote your welfare, and so far as was compatible with this object, your pleasure also. We have never denied you a gratification which our duty and ability allowed us to impart; and if at any time we have been severe in reproof, even this was an awful form of love. We have spared no expense in your education: in short, love, an intense love... has been the secret spring of all our conduct towards you; and, as the strongest proof and purest effort of our affection, we wish you to be partakers of true piety.

…Genuine love desires and seeks for the objects on which it is fixed the greatest benefits of which they are capable; and as you have the capacity to serve, and enjoy and glorify God by true religion, how can we love you in reality, if we do not covet for you this high and holy distinction? We should feel that our love had exhausted itself upon trifles, and had let go objects of immense, infinite, eternal consequence, if it were not to concentrate all its prayers, desires, and efforts in your personal religion.

Almost every parent has some one object, which he desires, above all others, on behalf of his children. Some are anxious that their offspring may shine as warriors; others, that theirs may be surrounded with the milder radiance of literary, scientific, and commercial fame. Our supreme ambition for you is, that whatever situation you occupy, you may adorn it with the beauties of holiness, and may discharge its duties under the influence of Christian principles. Much as we desire your respectability in life, yet we would rather see you in the most obscure, and even menial situation, provided you were partakers of true piety, than behold you on the loftiest pinnacle of the temple of fame, the objects of universal admiration, if, at the same time, your hearts were destitute of the fear of God....

You must be aware, my dear children, that all our conduct towards you has been conducted upon these principles. Before you were capable of receiving instruction, we presented ceaseless prayer to God for your personal piety. As soon as reason dawned, we poured the light of religious instruction upon your mind, by the aid of familiar poetry, catechisms, and conversation. How often have you retired with us, to become the subjects of our earnest supplications at the throne of grace! You have been witnesses of our agony for your eternal welfare. Have we not instructed, warned, admonished, encouraged you, as we laid open to your view the narrow path which leadeth to eternal life?” 1
What are the goals that we have set up in our home schools? What are the highest pursuits of our love for our children? True love for our children, and all true education, has as its ultimate end that we prepare and equip our children to be able to make much of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

1 John Angell James, The Christian Father’s Present to His Children