The recent rulings by governors in Oklahoma and Louisiana are causing a stir among believers and unbelievers alike. As usual, everyone seems to have an opinion, so I thought, why not share mine? My heart and mind have been processing an appropriate response since the mandates came out. As Christian educators, we should be ready to respond to questions whether these mandates impact us or not.
I want to make clear the thoughts I am sharing are my opinions based on what I feel the Word of God says accompanied by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Up to this point, I have not consulted any commentaries or read any published opinions. I believe each of us should individually seek God’s wisdom and discernment regarding these matters. I pray that my sharing will encourage you to thoughtfully consider your own response and be prepared to share as God opens the door for you to do so.
First things first. I want to make sure everyone knows what I am talking about! On June 27 Newsweek reported the following:
Public school superintendents across the state were sent a memo from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Thursday informing them, "Effective immediately, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum across specified grade levels."
"The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone," State Superintendent Ryan Walters said in a statement.
"Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction," Walters said. "This is not merely an educational directive but a crucial step in ensuring our students grasp the core values and historical context of our country."
This announcement came on the heels of another mandate by Governor Jeff Landry in Louisiana reported by AP News. It requires a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in “large, easily readable font” in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities.
If you are like me, your initial thoughts might be a bit skeptical. We know government mandates are not going to restore Christian values in our schools. We also know our schools are full of unbelievers who most likely will practice creative insubordination. We have plenty to be skeptical about.
There will be a backlash. Many will argue about the separation of church and state, and lawsuits will likely be filed. People will be watching us, inquiring what we “think” about all of this. Should we be vocal? Should we take action like picketing? Should we remain silent? How should Christian educators respond? I certainly don’t have all the answers, and as I said earlier, each person will need to consider God’s leading for themselves. For now, here are my thoughts.
Embrace the Opportunity
In John 17 Jesus prayed, “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” Hosea Bilyeu, a former pastor of mine, coined this phrase: “I am a sent one to someone today.” Regardless of how crazy our world becomes, we are being sent, bearing witness of Jesus to those around us. Conflict, confusion, or curiosity regarding these mandates should be expected and viewed as opportunities for us to embrace. It will be no accident if God chooses to place you in a situation where you are called on to respond to these mandates. Wait for the open door, and be ready for the opportunity. You are being sent.
Seek Guidance
So many people have strong emotions regarding these mandates, including us. It’s probably best to spend a little time seeking guidance ahead of time. While it’s okay to read articles or visit with clergy, all believers have direct access to a divine source – the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide us in all truth (John 16:13) and even intercede for us when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26). I would encourage all of us to spend time in prayer asking for God’s wisdom and discernment. James says when we ask in faith, God is more than happy to generously provide all the wisdom we need (James 1:5-6)!
Respond with Truth in Love
Guard against becoming defensive. Jesus reminded his disciples and reminds us today that the world hated and persecuted Him. If we are living for Jesus, we can expect the same (John 15:18-20). Nevertheless, this statement was proceeded by the command to love one another. It may feel difficult to love others who are challenging our beliefs, but we can never forget God’s love is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). As such, we can choose to love even when we don’t feel like it.
What might that look like? How can we speak the truth in love knowing the truth will offend some? I want to preface my answer by reiterating everything needs to be bathed in prayer first. When asked a question or confronted, I encourage you to whisper, “God, help me respond as you would.” I know I am going to!
I also think it is important to know and be confident in the truth; otherwise, we won’t know what to say! Regarding the first mandate in Oklahoma, what might we need to know regarding the Bible as a historical text? Here are some facts taken from https://www.gotquestions.org/.
The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, were copies of the books of the Old Testament from 250-150 B.C. There were minimal differences between these scrolls and the manuscripts previously discovered. This validates the authenticity of the Bible.
Other historical texts are utilized in our schools. However, the Bible has more empirical support, a shorter time between original writing and surviving copies, and a greater number of source manuscripts than any other ancient work by far. Consider the facts noted below.
There are only 251 copies of the works of Julius Caesar, the earliest from 950 years after he wrote, with no way to know how well those copies represent the originals.
There are only 109 copies of the works of the historian Herodotus, the earliest from 1,400 years after he wrote.
Archaeologists have found 1800+ manuscript copies of the works of Homer, allowing us a 95 percent confidence in the original text.
For the New Testament, there are currently more than 5,000 manuscripts, with most early copies anywhere from 200 to 300 years later, and some less than 100 years later. This gives a better than 99 percent confidence in the contents of the original text.
The Bible has a verifiable historical basis. The cities, geography, nations, people, and other facts of the Bible are set within literal time and history. The stories of the Bible are not religious fables but accounts of God’s works throughout human history.
Much of America’s history can be traced back to English settlers fleeing religious persecution. The Great Awakening was an inter-colony spiritual phenomenon in the 1730s and 1740s that further deepened colonist commitments to Biblical belief and personal faith. Ethics and values derived from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures have shaped this nation from its inception without being forcefully imposed on anyone. This is part of our nation’s history.
Regarding the second mandate in the state of Louisiana, what is it we need to know regarding the Ten Commandments? Here are some basic facts that might be helpful to you taken from the Bible text and https://www.gotquestions.org/.
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21) are ten laws that God gave to the nation of Israel shortly after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
The Ten Commandments were part of the Mosaic Covenant, a conditional, if-then agreement made with Moses and the people of Israel.
The first four commandments deal with our relationship to God. The last six commandments deal with our relationship with others.
The people of Israel were to be God’s “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). This would be accomplished if they kept up their part of the covenant (i.e., to obey the commandments).
Ultimately the Mosaic law would point to Jesus because no one was able to keep the law. Jesus would come as Savior to fulfill the law, not to abolish it.
None of the Old Testament law is binding on Christians today. When Jesus died on the cross, He put an end to the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23–25; Ephesians 2:15).
In place of the Old Testament law, Christians are under the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2), which is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). If we obey those two commands, we will be fulfilling all that Christ requires of us. “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:40).
The Old Testament law is still relevant today to the degree it falls under “loving God” and “loving your neighbor.” However, the Ten Commandments should be viewed in light of the whole word of God. These verses in Romans summarize it perfectly.
I would encourage you to do some research of your own until you feel confident in responding to questions. What do you think about using the Bible in History class? Do you believe the Ten Commandments should be hung up in our schools? These, and other questions like them, will undoubtedly be posed to you at some point in the future. Facts are important to give us the foundation we need for a thoughtful response. Additionally, remember these words to the Colossians.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Most importantly, respond with truth in LOVE.
Pick Your Battles
This probably goes without saying, but it is important to pick your battles. Some battles we aren’t meant to fight, and frankly, some aren’t worth fighting. For example, we all know people whose sole aim is to be argumentative. They have no interest in seeking to understand; they just find joy in causing drama. It’s best to avoid them unless you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you differently.
Obey
Whatever the law is in your state, follow it unless you feel it is asking you to go against the Word of God. The Bible is clear on this.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:1-2
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:13-15
Are there exceptions? Of course. We see civil disobedience throughout Scripture when a ruler or government commanded evil acts or the laws that were in direct violation of God’s commands (Exodus 1:17, Joshua 2, 1 Kings 18). Our first obligation is always to obey God over men (Acts 5:29).
Find Your People
Engage with the other believers in your workplace. As our culture becomes more hostile to Christianity, we will need each other. I want to encourage Christian educators in public schools to hang in there. We need you! Read this blog together. Pray for your school and leadership. Read God’s Word together, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, and commit to supporting each other.
Stay Positive
We are surrounded by negativity, but Christians should be the most positive people on the planet. I’m not saying you can never be discouraged or angry. Of course, you can. However, never forget who lives inside of you! Remember who the real enemy is. It isn’t your colleague, administrator, parent, or board member. One of my favorite memory verses is John 10:10, especially in the Amplified Version.
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
I’ve come to realize every time we allow the enemy to get a foothold in any area, we are robbing ourselves of the abundant joy Jesus died to give us. There are so many circumstances outside of our control. We can choose to stress and worry, or we can trust in a Sovereign God who promises to strengthen, help, and sustain us in our time of need (Isaiah 41:10). Every time you smile, offer a word of encouragement, turn a negative into a positive, or see the glass half-full, you are shining your light into dark places. Stay positive!
Finally…
At this point, no one really knows what will happen with these mandates. Will they be overturned? Will they be ignored? Will they be instituted? Will there be more? No one knows. Regardless, let’s be prepared. Embrace the opportunity to speak truth in love. Do your duty to research the topics, seek guidance, and build community with other believers. Pray and ask God to go before you, providing wisdom and discernment for each and every circumstance. Pray for educators in states that are facing these mandates. Most importantly, put on love. In the end, love is the response that matters.
Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:4
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