Awards ceremonies in schools

[sister J]

I know most of you homeschool but has anyone experienced end of year award ceremonies in christian schools?

Any thoughts on this whole process. Is it for christians to 'award' children much the same way the world does, and notice them for the same reasons the world notices people or do you think this is harmless?

[Guadalupe]

If I were you I would look at the reason for the awards given and how exclusive the awards may be (too few children earning them creates an unBiblical sense of superiority). Awards should reinforce Biblical values for children who need to feel encouragement to be Christian and learn Christian behaviors.

If it is for academic efforts and most academically improved (most church schools also teach Scriptures) then we have no problem rewarding children for applying themselves to their studies as it promotes the idea that lifelong study of the Bible and worthy subjects is to be enjoyed. It should emphasize the Biblical reason for the award.

If it is for charitable work and behaviors we have no problem with this as these values too are a Biblical teaching. It should also emphasize the Biblical reason for the award.

If it is for most popular or some of the other things that appear in yearbooks then no, we do not support those kinds of awards.

We are to encourage one another and children need encouragement too 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Small weekly awards for memorizing Scripture verses and for showing charitable/Biblical behaviors help children to place importance and value on these important concepts.
• John 15:12
• John 15:17
• Romans 12:10
• Romans 13:8
• Galatians 5:13
• Ephesians 4:2
• 1 Thessalonians 3:12
• 1 Thessalonians 4:9
• Hebrews 10:24
• 1 Peter 1:22
• 1 Peter 3:8
• 1 John 3:11
• 1 John 3:23
• 1 John 4:7
• 1 John 4:11
• 1 John 4:12
• 2 John 1:5