Freedom and Classical Christian Education, Part 5

Finally, a classical Christian education gives you a freedom to serve others. Jesus Christ sets us free, but for what? So that we can please ourselves? So that we can do whatever we want?

It may surprise you, but my answer is “yes.” Yes, that is precisely what we are free for – so that we can do whatever we want to do. But here is the question: what do you want to do? When Jesus Christ sets you free, he sets you free from selfishness and self-centeredness, and your joy begins to be found in serving others, in making much of others, in doing what is good for those around you. Jesus sets you free to be like Him. And Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus changes you from being a selfish brat controlled by always thinking about yourself into a servant who finds joy in always thinking about other people. God made us for joy, but when you are set free by Jesus Christ your joy is found in serving, in giving yourself away.

Martin Luther famously said in his pamphlet “On the Freedom of the Christian Man” these words –

A Christian man is the most free lord of all, subject to none.
A Christian man is a most dutiful servant of all, subject to all.

By God’s grace, that is what happens when children are educated for Christ.