It is very rare for an Oxford student to submit Finals exam scripts of such immaculate quality that the markers can only read them in amazement and ask the Chair to write a letter of congratulations to the student. It’s called a “Congratulatory First.”…As for teaching him, I can only reiterate Gibbon’s (The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) dictum: “The power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous.”

I was struck by the student’s expression of appreciation for the education (a quality one no doubt) he’s received. Equally so, the argument that there is a moral aspect of education that results at minimum in doing one’s best as duty comes through crystal clear. I have no idea whether this person professes Jesus as Lord. But we can play with hypotheticals: the student is speaking from a posture of Christian conviction or the student speaks as someone who does not know or believe there is a God. In light of the student’s sincere expression of duty to one’s education, which of the above hypotheticals is more convicting to those of us that do believe in Christ? 

In a day where K-12 education is largely mandatory (excepting portions wherein a student may obtain the GED), it is far too easy to find any education a right rather than a privilege. But is that the lens with which to look at the education being offered at DVCS? Here, it is important to make a statement. There is little desire on my part to suggest that DVCS is a perfect school (or to draw too close a parallel with Oxford for that matter), in the same way I suspect that the student wouldn’t say Oxford is perfect (Note that the tutor suggests that exam scripts of immaculate quality are rare indeed, a nod to the imperfection). 

However, in an academic year where the theme is gratitude, it seems appropriate to suggest the circumstances which make our education one worth appreciating. I will list only a few:  the personal sacrifices made by teachers and staff to educate students well; the desire to teach truth and see students in relationship with Jesus Christ;  a curriculum that takes the life of the mind seriously; an orderly environment. All reasons for gratitude. I know you have others. 

Colossians 3:23-24 exhorts us that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” If the Scriptural exhortation is not enough, know that DVCS teachers sense a duty to their students to provide an excellent education. 

To the student’s point in the tweet: the presumption is one of hard work; a duty to not squander thine education! To Gibbons’ dictum, a student with the proper disposition of happy curiosity and delight in understanding does not require as much instruction as does the one who finds reasons to be discontented by the education.  It is a maxim that bears out generally speaking. To have that proper disposition of happy curiosity and delight in understanding in youth is rare, but it’s not impossible. Finding the perspective necessary in order to value what one has is, to risk understatement, a challenge in our material culture. But there is a duty associated with being a student! Even here at DVCS. To do one’s best, which means at minimum attending to details!