We live in a troubled world. And because of that, parents contemplate how best to prepare children to successfully face today’s world and look to education to effect that end. While many advocate that education is the key, Jesus declares the essential ingredients begin in the mind and heart—love God and love your neighbor as yourself. These relationships are the essence of life. They begin with love and submission to God and extend to love and service to others and thus form the foundation for biblical worldview education. The BJA mission statement centers on these truths, beginning with our relationship with God and concluding with our relationship to others.
This semester we have focused the administrative articles on this mission statement, and now we come to the last phrase: “challenging students . . . to serve others.”
Throughout the Bible, we are commanded to love others. The idea is embedded in the Ten Commandments. It is reaffirmed by Christ: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another” (John 13:34). And it is repeated throughout the New Testament: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3)
We see it lived out in the ultimate example of Christ: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). And, so, we are charged to follow in His footsteps: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
For our obedience in this area, God promises reward: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Through our faithfulness in serving others, some may turn to Christ in salvation, while others may be strengthened in their walk with Him.
The concept of serving others is integrated into the entire BJA educational program. It is taught through the biblical worldview curriculum. It is exemplified in the lives of the faculty and staff. It is encouraged through the discipline principles of being kind one to another. It is fostered through the myriad of extracurricular and ministry opportunities.
Compelled by our love for God and service to others and equipped with a biblical worldview education, our students will find true success as they navigate life’s pathways no matter how bright or how dim. May we be examples our students can follow, and let us daily encourage them to demonstrate their love for God by serving others.
Bob Jones Academy exists to assist like-minded Christian parents in challenging students to love Jesus Christ, to embrace God’s truth, to exercise integrity, to pursue excellence, and to serve others.
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