About the blog

If we educate children without any knowledge of God, will we simply make them clever devils? The question raises the issue of what kind of moral values should be upheld in a nation’s education if Christian ones are rejected, and what place God should have in state education. Should knowledge of God be taught only in churches and other faith groups?

Dr. Thomas Arnold, Headmaster of Rugby (1828-1842) did not think so. 'Learning from the Master' brings together a collection of Arnold’s correspondence, sermons and other writings to provide a ‘thought for the day’ for teachers and home educators alike. Teaching is a demanding profession, and it is often hard to see the bigger picture when one’s face is hard pressed to the blackboard. This blog provides a brief thought for each day for the first half-term. The aim is to encourage Christian educators to think ultimately about whom it is they are serving. Teachers and parents are busy people, few of us have time to read full length textbooks on educational theory. This series of devotions helps us learn from one of England’s most famous headmasters - and yet at the same time directs the reader’s thoughts to one even greater.

“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:13)

Thursday 20 August 2015

Day 3 - The real work

‘I am quite well, and enjoying my work exceedingly.  May I only remember that, after all, the true work is to have a daily living faith in Him whom God sent.  Send me a letter to tell me fully about you and yours; it is sad that we can never meet, but we must write oftener.  Business ought not so to master us as not to leave time for a better business, and one which I trust will last longer, for I love to think that Christian friendships may be part of the business of eternity.’

You might be getting used to your daily routine now. You might be a little worried that some of the students already seem to be falling behind, or even worse, that you are falling behind in your planning. Perhaps the children have not achieved what you have hoped, perhaps the difference in ability among the children is making classroom management difficult.

On the other hand, perhaps all is going well. It is, after all, the start of term. You won’t be behind on your marking yet. Chances are that few of the children are giving you serious problems, because it’s only the third day. In all that you are doing today, remember to take time out to enjoy it. Arnold became a teacher seemingly by accident, and perhaps teaching wasn’t your first choice either. Perhaps you never dreamed of home-schooling, but here you are doing it. Arnold was encouraged by his good health and was enjoying his work when he wrote this letter to a friend. The Bible encourages us to enjoy our work:

“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25)

But there is an even greater work which Arnold was keen to remember. ‘May I only remember that, after all, the true work is to have a daily living faith in Him whom God sent.’ Arnold is quoting the words of Jesus directly at this point:

“This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (John 6:29) Have faith in the Great Master today and be encouraged. That is the true work, that is the most important lesson for any teacher. 


God ever bless you.

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