Fitting In

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).

The benefits of homeschooling are wonderful, but there are times when parents face difficult issues. As children grow into their teen years, they realize that homeschooling sets them apart from the mainstream. Wise parents will understand their teenager's need for acceptance during this transition into adulthood and provide an added sense of belonging. However, no matter how much affirmation you give your child, his true value and uniqueness will only be confirmed as he realizes and understands his worth in God's eyes.

Dealing with the world's rejection is difficult for any Christian, no matter the age. God's Word tells us our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and we live as strangers in this world (1 Peter 2:11). Considering these facts, we too must understand that we will never fit into the world's scheme of things as we live for Christ. Not only does homeschooling set us apart, but being a Christian puts us on the world's "most hated" list. "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:19). Our worth and value, therefore, can only be based on what God thinks of us.

Do you ever feel ostracized as you homeschool your children? God sees all you're going through and promises to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b). Remember, you won't be a stranger forever. Some day, both you and your children will totally fit in when you walk into the heavenly home God has prepared for you.

Lord, please show me how to encourage my teen as he struggles with the same acceptance issues as me. May we both be strengthened by Your unfailing love until You bring us home to heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Share This Article

Comments(9 comments)

KIM C 06/17/2009 00:25:39

I so appreciate these daily devotions. It seems that God uses them to speak to me when I need them most. This one in particular provided much needed encouragement to me this evening. As a mom, it's so difficult to see my children struggle and be hurt. Thanks for reminding me why they struggle....they were not made for this world. Praise God that they are not! God's perspective is healing!

PAMELA W 06/16/2010 03:48:30

I just woke up this morning, clicked on mail and here was this about homeschooling. Exactly what I am wondering if I should do. Thankyou for putting these daily devotions online to help so many people. God bless.

LINDSEY G 06/16/2011 04:14:04

Last night, the Lord led me to this same passage of Scripture. Now, this morning, here it is, again, through your devotional. I know He is seeking to encourage me in this area of "fitting in" as we homeschool. I am incredibly grateful for the gift of being able to homeschool my children. And I need to remember that there will be a day when we aren't lonely, anymore. Trying to keep my eyes on Jesus and on His Kingdom, rather than hoping for my own version of "fitting in" here on earth.

MAYA T 06/16/2011 07:43:49

God does use these to speak to me also. Words just cannot explain...

LAURA C 06/24/2011 17:54:58

Thank you for the reminder! I get so lonely during the public school year, and it is a continual struggle to cooperate with p.s. for music. Thank you again for the encouragement. Wish we could all get together for coffee each week!

MICHELLE S 06/16/2012 03:54:28

I too have been thinking about what verses had to deal with these issues. We recently had trouble with the new neighbor kids behind us and my 9 year old was very dissappointed in their behavoir. So much so she was mad for several days. I comforted her with the fact that God will bring her the right friend. She just has to be patient and continue to pray about it. Me too. We're going thru a difficult time being we're transitioning our lives to moving to a new state inwhich we love but, we're away from daddy and having to prepare our move alone. So finding friends or struggling to continue long distant relationships is pretty tough let alone finding the "time" to do it. I'm just gonna have to focus on the girls doing other things. Any suggestions from anyone else having gone thru a similiar situation and survivng without too much damage done to your kids hearts?

KRISTA J 06/16/2012 06:04:09

Yes, this is the truth! Two years ago, I was a corporate executive making fabulous money. My husband and I thought after years of struggling, we had finally made it in the world. We thought we could give our three children (5th grade, 2nd grade and Kindergarden) all the things they wanted, that we never had. Then my Kindergardener became very ill and two weeks later my 2nd grader suffered a major eye injury and was out of school for 4 weeks. By this time my 5th grader, on his own suggested homeschooling. Hecwas doing fine in school, but as he said "Mom, you can do better." I decided if I was pulling one or two out to be homeschooled, it was all or nothing. My husband and I discussed the financial implications and then conferred with the children. We explained that they would not have new clothes, or expensive dolls, or cool trips to theme parks like all of their friends. We all agreed and our homeschool adventure began. My oldest son is now a teen and such a wnderful young man. He sees the materalistic items he does not get, as do the other children. But to my shock and delight they all still LOVE homeschool and the only thing they still want and need is us! They understand being Christains has a huge price in our world, but as they remind me the reward is even bigger! So long to all those things we want, and hello to what we need, eternity in heaven with Jesus!

KATHY S 06/16/2012 08:59:03

After years in Public (& private) schools, my 13 year old son decided all by himself, that he is quite happy to be "SET APART", and "DIFFERENT" than these other children he had to spend all day with before.

I explained that God says when we are Christians we are truly "Set apart" and "Different" from unbeleivers. And, because of all the misery in a regular school system. He's actually happy to be different.

Ours is a special case. I know not everyone is the same. If you have been homeschooling for most, or all of your childs life, this could very well be a huge issue.

Please, let them know from my son and I, being different, and apart from the "worldly" children, is such a good thing!

If they were in a bad school district as we were, and even just a regular school district, I keep hearing more and more nightmare stories from parents whose children suffer from bullying in ALL schools now.

It is a BLESSING to be homeschooled and be apart from children who don't know God, don't behave, swear, hit, beat one another, interrupt all day during school while you are trying to learn.

I know it's hard for them to see at this age, but, my son will tell you, he'd rather do without everything, or be alone, or do double work, ECT., than to be put back in with a 90% ratio of ill behaved, torturous children.

I pray that God lets all of our precious children see the Blessing of being homeschooled dear Lord. I pray that they can experience Joy and find other children that are more like them to be friends with.

Thank you Jesus! Amen.

EDNA S 06/18/2012 06:53:48

Thank you so much for this devotional message and prayer. All of your messages are truly a blessing. to us. Sometimes this little daily devotional message is exactly what I need to boost me up. The world outside our home seems to see things in total opposite of what we do as a homeschooling, Christian family. We just completed our first year of homeschooling...and these messages have really helped me stay focus and pay attention to what is important according to our Lord\'s plan for our lives as homeschoolers.


Blog Categories


Homeschool eNews


Want more information?


We're available right now!

Call 1-800-622-3070

CHAT NOW Schedule a CALL BACK Free GETTING STARTED GUIDE Email us a MESSAGE