By Michael D. Daniels

In the heart of every village stood a well—life-giving waters that sustained generations. Each morning, families gathered to draw crystal-clear water that had nourished their ancestors for generations. This well, like the Truth of God's Word, was pure, refreshing, and life-sustaining. Now imagine discovering that someone had begun poisoning these waters—subtly at first, almost unnoticeable. Would you still let your children drink? What would you do?

Would You Drink Poisoned Water?

Public school, like a communal well, was meant to provide life essentials for young minds. But when a well gets contaminated, wise parents don't wait for committees to debate purification methods —they immediately seek clean water for their children.

Today, as educational systems drift away from biblical truth and traditional values, we face a similar crisis. The poison of evolution, sexual experimentation, and gender confusion (to name a few) seeps deeper into the educational waters our children drink daily.

There is no time to wait! Every day your child drinks from these waters is another day their young mind absorbs another message that contradicts God's word. The Scriptures warn us about those who would lead children astray, saying “it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck” and he be dropped in the ocean. (Matthew 18:6). Yet we, as parents, bear responsibility too.

Find Pure Water

The Lord has provided alternatives. Publishers like A.C.E (www.aceschooloftomorrow.com) and Abeka (www.abeka.com) provide materials and partner with churches, Christian schools and distance learning programs like Christian Academy of America (www.chaoa.com). Your local church may already have resources —support groups, curriculum guidance, and fellow parents who have begun this journey. Some families form learning pods, combining resources to educate their children in alignment with God’s Word.

For those concerned about the financial burden, Christian communities can pool their resources. Many churches offer scholarship programs for Christian schools, share curriculum materials, and have certified teachers within their membership who volunteer to assist homeschooling families. In Bible times, children were not just instructed by their parents, but by trusted, fellow believers.

Overcome Fears and Doubts

Common concerns often hold families back. Some say, "I'm not qualified to teach." Remember, you've been teaching your child since birth —to walk, talk, and pray. Modern curricula guide parents step-by-step, and you don't have to do it alone.

“What about socialization?” you may wonder. Ask yourself: Would you prefer your children to be shaped by peers who drink from contaminated waters, or by a long-standing, Bible-believing community that shares your values?

To begin this journey:

• Pray for guidance and wisdom (James 1:5)
• Connect with church leadership about educational support
• Reach out to families who've made this transition
• Research Christian schools, homeschool groups, and hybrid programs
• Build your support network before making the switch

Inoculate Against the Poison

Some families are unable to fully withdraw from public education. In this case inoculation becomes crucial. To do this, you need to:

• Model a strong Biblical foundation at home
• Create open, family dialogue about school experiences
• Preview public educational materials
• Build strong church youth connections
• Consider supplemental Biblical education

Remember Daniel and his friends in Babylon. They drank from Babylon's wells but remained uncontaminated because their identity was found in God, they supported one another in faith, maintained clear boundaries, and stayed grounded in truth.

Whether you can completely avoid the poisoned well or must focus on inoculation, the key is taking active steps to protect your children's mental and spiritual health.

Resist Contamination

The enemy delights in slowly poisoning the well that nourishes our children's minds, hoping we won't notice until the damage is done. We must act now! The Lord understands the constraints some families face, but He also promises wisdom to those who seek it.

This week, take one concrete step: schedule a meeting with your pastor, contact a local Christian school for information, or join an online homeschool community. Whether you choose to completely withdraw from the contaminated well or strengthen your child's immunity against its effects, the most important thing is to begin. Ask the Lord for wisdom today, then follow where He leads with courage and conviction.