Let’s be honest for a moment about what we are really mean by this. We are not actually talking about God leaving schools. Can you really keep God out of anywhere? If God is always with us, and His Spirit lives inside of us, does He really leave when we walk through the doors of a public school because He’s been “kicked out”? That’s ridiculous! What we mean is Christian privilege, Christianity being held above other religions, and the preferential treatment of Christians. And honestly, it really does not bother me. Please let me explain…

I was a youth minister in Kentucky for more than three years. I was in the schools. I was a substitute teacher and a substitute bus driver. I went to many games and events at the elementary, middle, and high schools. Though I do not have kids of my own, please do not assume I just don’t get it yet. Yes, I am sure I will understand more when I have kids of my own. But in more ways than one, the kids in my youth group are my kids. I love them and care for them as though they were my own.

I’m worried for them.

They are not bad kids! Actually, I think they are pretty awesome! (I know I’m biased, they are my kids after all!) What worries me is the way their faith is growing. It is no longer the culturally expected thing to be a Christian and go to Church on Sunday because everyone does it. No one is a Christian because of where you live, where you work, or because of your parents. One of the biggest areas this is seen is school. There are no longer times for prayer before school, before games, and teachers cannot openly share their faith. And I’m OK with it.

As much as they “remove” God from schools, students still have the first amendment right to free speech. I have been told by several teachers and school administrators, though teachers cannot talk about their faith, there are no such restrictions on students. Now of course they cannot be disruptive in the classroom… good. But no one is stopping them from praying before school. No one is stopping them from getting their friends together before practice or a game to pray. No one is stopping them from sharing their faith and inviting other students to Church in the lunch room. No one is stopping them from speaking out against true injustice and things that break God’s heart while at school. No one is stopping students from bringing their faith into school.

If our kids believe the lie they cannot stand up for their faith in school, they will not learn to stand up in the work place. If our kids do not learn how to preach the gospel during lunch, they will likely never preach the gospel at work. If our kids are never bold about their faith in school, they will never learn to be bold with their faith in God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe in life.

This may sound a bit extreme, I get it. Let me ask you a question. Think back to years ago when you were younger. Did you ever think to yourself, “I can’t wait for _______. Life will be so much easier then.”? I have. I believe most of us have at some time or another. Did it work out the way you thought? Did life get easier or harder? I may be alone (though I doubt it) but I believe life gets harder, not easier. If our kids do not learn how to be bold with their faith now in school, it will be hundred times more difficult when they get into the real world.

As we look throughout history, times when Christianity has thrived have been times of even Christian persecution. I am not praying for persecution! But I am praying for a generation of strong Christians who are firmly grounded in their faith. I am praying for a generation of bold Christians not afraid of what others think about their faith. I am praying for a generation of Christians who take a stand against true injustice when no one else will speak up. I am praying for a generation of Christians who are deeply drawn to God despite anything the world says. I am praying for a generation of devoted disciples of Christ.

We must be in constant prayer for our kids. I pray for my kids a lot! I heard someone challenge parents by asking, “do you want safe kids, or Godly kids?” I want my kids safe, but I care about their relationship with God more than their safety. I pray for my kids I hope to have one day, my kids in Kentucky, and my kids here in Virginia. I pray my kids’ faith and trust in God deepen. I pray my kids will be strengthen by the Holy Spirit to resist Satan when he attacks. I pray God is drawing my kids closer to Him every day. I pray my kids will be bold in their faith regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. I pray they grow up to be incredible men and women of God.

You may disagree with me, that’s ok. Feel free to comment and let me know. Thank you for hearing me out.