“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every though captive to the obedience of Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5

May is a month of ‘Pomp and Circumstance’! Dictionary definitions reveal the phrase, “pomp and circumstance”, originates from Shakespeare’s Othello, but its modern usage is an orchestral march by Sir Edward Elgar. The pomp in pomp and circumstance means a stately or brilliant display, from the Latin ‘pompa’, meaning procession. The circumstance comes from the Latin ‘circumstantia’, meaning standing around, but in modern usage it means ceremony or show. Yearly its orchestrations are used to celebrate the educational successes of students. Though there are individual accomplishments worth celebrating, the condition of our educational system has been in peril for some time… the pomp and circumstance have been tarnished.

The decline is more than low test scores. For many years, the vain speculations of the world have been raised up against truth. An a-moral world view, has woven its way into the fabric of our educational system. It has been embedded in the very institutions that train our educators. Thankfully, many teachers have been able to resist, but the majority, to one degree or another, have been negatively impacted. With each passing year the speculations have become more and more godless. In an endeavor to promote social change, the foundational educational goals of reading, writing, science, history, and math have been sacrificed. From the rewriting of history to evolution to gender dysphoria to socialism, our educational system has been in free-fall. Thankfully there are exceptions, but exceptions are not the rule. In some instances, these speculations have even made their way into Christian educational institutions.

Restoring honor and educational excellence is possible. It calls for a ‘Pomp & Circumstance’ orchestral march of brilliant, meaningful, righteous involvement. Enrolling in the process is the necessary first step towards ‘graduating with honors’. Enroll through prayer… pray for everyone in the current educational system, especially for those who are Christians (board members, administration, teachers, aids, staff). Enroll through volunteerism… in the classroom and extracurricular activities. Enroll through being a school board candidate… provide righteous influence to the decision-making process. Enroll through your presence… speak-up for righteousness at school board meetings. The last step of graduating with honors is the best one of all. It is hearing Christ say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”