Biblical Reasons to Homeschool: Raising Children in God’s Truth

Live Transformed
Apr 25
6 min read

Updated: Jun 6

I'd like to start by sharing our homeschool journey! Remember 2020??? Well, that's where it all began for us. We have three kids, and two of them were in public school in kindergarten and second grade. All was well, until everything shut down! Having the girls home for digital learning was fun. We made so many fun memories. The 2021 school year ended, and we decided we would homeschool one more year to avoid all the potential shut downs. That one year turned into a lifestyle! I'll admit I didn't accept the calling willingly. About half way through the school year, I knew God was telling us that homeschool was what our family needed to do for the future. I tried to ignore what God was telling me because it didn't make sense to me. My kids were supposed to go to school like all the other kids in the neighborhood, right? However, the more I researched homeschool the more I knew it was the right thing to do. God has a mysterious way of communicating when He really wants you to do something. I was on YouTube and videos about why to homeschool were on my home screen. I finally surrendered to His will and we haven't looked back on the decision.

In today’s world, parents face many decisions about how to educate their children. As Christians, we are called to raise our children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Homeschooling provides your children with an education that is Christ-centered, biblically grounded, and aligned with God’s design for the family. Let me share with you several biblical principles that support and encourage this path.

1. Parents Are the Primary Educators of Their Children

The Bible makes it clear that God has entrusted parents—not the government, schools, or society—with the responsibility of teaching and raising their children.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

This passage commands parents to teach their children about God constantly—throughout daily life. Daily I am faced with the sin nature of my kids and myself! Homeschooling allows me to continually disciple my children in a way that aligns with biblical instruction. It also enables me to surrender to God daily and repent for my character flaws!

2. Teaching Children a Biblical Worldview

Public schools and secular curriculums often teach values that contradict the Bible, promoting ideologies that do not honor God. Homeschooling enables parents to instill a biblical worldview in their children from an early age.

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

If we want our children to grow up knowing and following God, we must be intentional about what they learn and how they are influenced. As Phil and I reflected on our public school upbringing, we realized that we compartmentalized God to church and school had nothing to do with Him. However, that is not the truth! God is in everything. All things were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). When we separate God and our education, we believe things that are not aligned with the truth of the Word. Homeschooling provides an opportunity to teach history, science, literature, and all subjects through the lens of biblical truth. As a homeschool mom, I have had to reeducate myself on false teaching I learned in the public school system. As a former public school educator myself, I have realized I also taught subjects that did not align with Biblical truth. For me, it has been an eye-opening journey!

3. Protecting Children from Corrupt Influences

The Bible warns about the dangers of allowing children to be influenced by ungodly teachings and environments.

1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
Psalm 1:1-2 – “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord.”

While we are called to be lights in the world, children are still developing spiritually and are vulnerable to secular ideologies. In our home, we teach our children about the world by discussing topics and ideas with them. We point out the sinful ways of the world and teach them the truth of the Bible. We use TV shows and commercials to discuss people's behavior and what the Bible says about the ways of the world. This allows us to teach our children the truth without them being surrounded by sinful people. We are helping them build a strong foundation in their faith that will allow them to be warriors in this world. Homeschooling provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow strong in faith before being sent into the world. The world is harsh and can change you and what you believe before you even realize it. We want out children to be equipped to face the temptations and struggles they will face.

4. Strengthening Family Relationships

Homeschooling fosters close relationships between parents and children, as well as between siblings. The Bible emphasizes the importance of family unity and discipleship.

Malachi 4:6 – “And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.”
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

When children spend most of their time at home, relationships are naturally deepened, and parents have more opportunities to disciple and guide them. The most common question I get when I tell people we homeschool is, "How do you do it?". My answer is through the grace of God! As a family we spend A LOT of time together. I consider that a blessing, but that does not mean it is easy. However, I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend my days with other than my children. The days can be long, but it is worth every trial to get to spend more time with the gifts God has given me!

5. Cultivating Godly Character

Education is not just about academics; it is about shaping character. Homeschooling allows parents to emphasize biblical virtues such as honesty, kindness, diligence, and humility.

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

By homeschooling, parents can prioritize character training alongside academics, ensuring that their children grow in wisdom and Godliness. I get the privilege of not just being around my children, but also sharing God's truths with them throughout our day. By keeping them with me all day, I can teach them the importance of having Godly character.

6. Preparing Children for Their God-Given Purpose

Each child has a unique purpose designed by God, and homeschooling allows parents to nurture their gifts and calling.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

In the public school setting, children must conform to the methods and ideologies of the system. With a customized homeschool education, children can develop their talents and interests in a way that honors God and prepares them for His calling on their lives. We have the opportunity to explore God's creation as well as pursue interests. As my children grow, I can allow them to pursue passions God has placed in their hearts.

Conclusion: A Calling Worth Considering

Homeschooling is not the only way to raise Godly children, but it is a biblical option that aligns with God’s design for parents as the primary educators. It provides the opportunity to teach children truth, protect them from harmful influences, strengthen family bonds, and prepare them for a life devoted to God. If you are considering homeschooling, seek God’s guidance in prayer and trust that He will equip you for the journey.

A great resource to encourage you is the documentary Homeschool Awakening by Kirk Cameron. It shares the experiences of a variety of families and what homeschool looks like in their life. The beauty of homeschool is there is not one right way to do it. You can do what works best for your family. If you have questions or want encouragement on your journey, please contact us. We would love to share our experience and help you on yours.