It’s hard to believe another homeschool year is under way already! Doesn’t it seem like just a few days ago we were putting away last year’s textbooks? Maybe you’re thinking, “School? Bring it on!” Maybe (like me) you’re thinking, “School? Not yet—just a couple more weeks of summer vacation!” Whether we feel ready or not, we can find encouragement and motivation in Scripture as we embark on this new year of learning.
Nothing else has the power to inspire us the way God’s Word can, especially when homeschooling (and life) becomes challenging. These are just a few verses that can help us keep our focus on God as we strive to educate our children for His glory.
Motivational Scripture for Giving Our Best
These passages can encourage us to do our best for the Lord, not just at the beginning of the academic year but all throughout.
Colossians 3:23—Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
1 Corinthians 10:31—Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Romans 12:11—[Be] not slothful in business, [but] fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 9:10—Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.
Gaining Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge
As we seek to help our children grow in academic knowledge, let’s also endeavor to teach them God’s wisdom for life.
Proverbs 1:7—The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:6—The Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Colossians 4:5—Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Proverbs 4:7—Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 8:11—Wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Motivational Scripture for Maintaining Order
Being organized is not only conducive for learning, it’s also a biblical principle.
1 Corinthians 14:40—Let all things be done decently and in order.
Defeating Discouragement
Without a doubt, there will be times we struggle with despondency during this year. Unexpected obstacles, interruptions, disappointment, and tiredness will threaten to steal our God-given joy. One of the best verses to combat discouragement is Galatians 6:9, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Looking Ahead
As we begin this new season, let’s follow Paul’s example in Philippians 3:13–14, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” It’s a new opportunity for us and our children to grow in our knowledge of Christ, and His Word is always sufficient for us!
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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.