Since we began homeschooling our children, we have had the opportunity to meet and fellowship with hundreds of homeschoolers. We have noticed some common attitudes and interests among the movement as a whole. In general, we have observed there are two main forces motivating parents to homeschool. The two forces could be characterized by the terms reactionary and visionary.

    The reactionary motive characterizes a family who is reacting against something negative which their child could be exposed to outside the home. This could be the violence, drugs, and immorality prevalent in schools today, the poor quality of education, the high cost of private school, or some other major concern. Many times it is a combination of these concerns. Whatever the cause, the result is the same--a strong conviction not to expose their child or family to negative influences. This reactionary posture has positioned them against something rather than for something.

    The visionary motive is characterized by a family which is moving with a purpose. They sense a divine call from God to raise a godly heritage--one that is built on a foundation which cannot be moved, the word of God. Education is not a burden forced on them, but a stewardship entrusted to them by God.

    God is calling every homeschooling family to be not only reactionary, but visionary as they educate their children. It is true, that God uses reactionary situations to get our attention. However, once we see the problem, we also need to see the solution. God is not merely calling us away from something; He is calling us to something. God is more concerned that we see the great picture. Our calling as Christians is to know God and glorify Him. He has already provided the method to accomplish this purpose. Jesus' last words before He ascended into heaven were " to make disciples". As Christian homeschoolers, we need to be obedient to the great commission and "make disciples" of our children.

    "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. " Matthew 28:18-20

    We believe that Jesus Christ is the master of all teachers and we should teach our children "to observe all things that he has commanded". His commandments are found in the Word- the Bible. If we determine in our hearts to seek God's purpose and method for homeschooling our children, then we can be assured His desire is for them to be "Students Of the Word."

    "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing ... if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples." John 15.-5,7-8

    The SOW Curriculum is a practical tool that helps the visionary homeschooler reach the goal of raising a godly heritage unto the Lord. As we set out to develop a Bible centered curriculum that would disciple our children according to the Word of God, we knew there would be a cost involved with that decision. Some goals are mutually exclusive. In such cases, we chose what we believed to be the higher call. In the New Testament, there was a cost when people chose to follow Christ. Many times it meant giving up worldly things in order to pursue God's Kingdom.

    "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life." Matthew 19:29

    When you make the decision to homeschool, you step out in faith and endure a very real and tangible cost of faith. If using a Bible-centered curriculum, then you have chosen to put studying God's word above every other subject. This does not mean that the other subjects are discarded. However, it does mean that your first objective is to raise godly children in this world, not the greatest rocket scientist.

    "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." Hebrews 11:24-26

    In conclusion, we believe that God raises men up for His service. As Christians, our purpose is to glorify and serve God, not ourselves. As we commit our homes to the Lord and continue to sow God's word into our children, we are confident God will give each of us wisdom and reward those who seek His kingdom first with peace and unity in the home.

    "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:34