The Test

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what we are really teaching our kids.

In so many ways, our modern education system—though filled with good, hardworking teachers and administrators—can feel like it’s training children to measure their worth by a number. A test score. A benchmark. A percentile. And while assessment has its place, somewhere along the way it can subtly whisper to a child: “You are what you produce.”

But Scripture tells a very different story.

“So God created man in His own image…” — Genesis 1:27

“I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” — Psalm 139:14

Our children are not numbers. They are image-bearers. Wonderfully made. Designed with purpose long before they ever filled in a bubble on a test sheet.

This week I had the opportunity to teach chapel at a farm school, and it stirred something in me. These kids are learning math, reading, and science—but they’re also learning how to care for animals, how to steward responsibility, how to work with their hands, and how to open God’s Word. There were no test scores posted on a wall—just growth, discipline, joy, and truth being planted day by day.

It was a beautiful reminder: education is not just about information—it’s about formation.

Now let me be clear—this isn’t a knock on public education. Our family lives in both worlds. Two of our kids are in public school, and two are in a farm school setting. We’ve seen the good in both. We’ve seen dedicated teachers who pour their lives into students. We’ve seen opportunities, friendships, and growth happen in each environment.

And we’ve also seen the challenges. Because every system built by man will have its flaws.

But that’s really the point.

No system—public, private, homeschool, or alternative—can ultimately define a child’s value. That responsibility belongs to us as parents, as the church, as those entrusted with shaping hearts.

Because at the end of the day, the question isn’t just “What are our kids learning?”

It’s “What are we teaching them is most important?”

Are we teaching them that success is measured by performance?

Or that their identity is rooted in Christ?

Are we raising them to chase approval?

Or to walk in purpose?

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

If we’re not careful, we can raise high-achieving kids who don’t know who they are. Kids who can pass every test but still question their worth.

But what if we flipped that?

What if our greatest goal wasn’t just educated kids—but grounded kids?

Kids who know how to work, how to serve, how to think, and most importantly—who they belong to.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

Education matters. It truly does. But identity matters more.

Let’s not just prepare our children for a test—

Let’s prepare them for a life lived in the truth of who God says they are.