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One of the most critical tasks that a classroom teacher faces is the matter of establishing an environment that is conducive to learning. Whether it is called discipline or classroom management, learning can best occur when the student is trained to learn.
This positive atmosphere, however, is not the goal. Individual students’ lives and their conformity to the standard of God’s Word is the focus. Educators in a Christ-centered School are instruments to be used by God to train young people in godly attitudes and actions that glorify the Lord. This is a task that takes a lifetime to develop. Formal education is a small but significant part of the process.
Hebrews 12:5-11 provides a foundation for discipline in the Christian School classroom. The following principles are gleaned from these verses:
1. Discipline is not to be regarded lightly. It is serious business (Hebrews 12:5)
2. Discipline involves instruction as well as punishment (Hebrews 12:6)
3. Discipline is evidence of love and belonging (Hebrews 12:9)
4. Godly discipline produces respect and honor towards one another. (Hebrews 12:9)
5. Discipline should direct us to a greater awareness of God the Father (Hebrews 12:9)
6. Discipline should be purposeful (Hebrews 12:10)
7. Discipline should ultimately make us more like Christ (Hebrews 12:10)
8. Discipline for a time is painful, not pleasant (Hebrews 12:11)
9. Righteousness and peace are the result of being trained through discipline (Hebrews 12:11)
10. Results are not always immediate (Hebrews 12:11)
A single thread through this passage of Scripture is the need to be habitual in the training process. In order to be successful, discipline must be regular and consistent.
The specific application of the above principles in the classroom is one of the most important tasks a teacher faces. Rules and procedures are established to help achieve the development of godly character in students.
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