Embracing the Hidden Curriculum of Faith
Summary
In the quiet of a stairwell at a Holiday Inn Express, I find myself reflecting on the concept of the hidden curriculum. This idea, introduced by a teacher named Guy Dowd, suggests that beyond the formal curriculum of planned lessons and teachings, there exists an unplanned, yet profoundly impactful hidden curriculum. This hidden curriculum is not about what we know, but about who we become. It is revealed in the spontaneous moments of life—who we choose to sit with, who we include, and how we react to interruptions or criticisms.
In our spiritual journey, the hidden curriculum often reveals the true state of our beliefs and values. While the formal curriculum is where we declare our beliefs, the hidden curriculum shows what we truly believe. Jesus exemplified mastery of the hidden curriculum. His teachings were not just in words but in actions and responses to everyday situations. Whether it was welcoming children, challenging self-righteousness, or observing social dynamics at a party, Jesus taught through the hidden curriculum.
The story of Francis of Assisi and Brother Leo further illustrates this concept. Francis describes perfect joy not as achieving great feats or recognition, but in accepting rejection and suffering with patience and joy. This story challenges us to see trials and interruptions as opportunities to reveal the state of our soul and our surrender to God’s will.
The hidden curriculum is present in our daily lives, in the unexpected moments and challenges we face. It is in these moments that we learn and teach others about our true character and faith. Embracing the hidden curriculum means welcoming trials as friends, knowing that Jesus is with us, teaching us, and shaping us through these experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- The hidden curriculum is about who we become through unplanned, spontaneous moments in life. It reveals our true beliefs and values, beyond what we profess in formal teachings. [02:20]
- Jesus was a master of the hidden curriculum, teaching through actions and responses to everyday situations. His life exemplified the integration of formal and hidden teachings. [04:28]
- The story of Francis of Assisi highlights that perfect joy is found not in achievements but in accepting rejection and suffering with patience and joy, revealing the state of our soul. [07:38]
- The hidden curriculum challenges us to surrender our will to God, accepting trials and interruptions as opportunities to grow in faith and character. [09:00]
- Embracing the hidden curriculum means recognizing that Jesus is with us in every moment, teaching us and shaping us through life's unexpected challenges. [09:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:33] - Introduction from the Stairwell
- [00:56] - The Concept of Hidden Curriculum
- [01:29] - Formal vs. Hidden Curriculum
- [02:34] - Conflict Between Curricula
- [03:39] - Churches and Hidden Curriculum
- [04:13] - Jesus and the Hidden Curriculum
- [05:19] - Examples from Jesus' Life
- [06:10] - Dallas Willard's Influence
- [06:35] - Story of Francis of Assisi
- [08:04] - Perfect Joy and Self-Denial
- [09:15] - Surrendering to God's Will
- [09:37] - Embracing the Hidden Curriculum
- [10:01] - Conclusion and Encouragement
- [10:15] - Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 14:7-11 - Jesus observes the hidden curriculum at a party.
2. Matthew 18:1-5 - Jesus teaches about the importance of childlike humility.
3. James 1:2-4 - Embracing trials as opportunities for growth.
Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 14:7-11, what behavior does Jesus notice at the party, and how does He address it? How does this relate to the concept of the hidden curriculum? [05:44]
2. How does Jesus use the example of a child in Matthew 18:1-5 to illustrate the hidden curriculum of the Kingdom of Heaven? [05:19]
3. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of trials in a believer's life, and how does this connect to the idea of the hidden curriculum? [09:50]
4. What examples from Jesus' life demonstrate His mastery of the hidden curriculum, as mentioned in the sermon? [04:28]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the hidden curriculum reveal the true state of our beliefs and values, as opposed to the formal curriculum? [04:13]
2. In what ways did Jesus' actions and responses to everyday situations teach His disciples about the hidden curriculum? [04:28]
3. How does the story of Francis of Assisi and Brother Leo challenge our understanding of joy and suffering? [07:38]
4. What does it mean to surrender our will to God in the context of the hidden curriculum, and how can this be seen in our daily lives? [09:15]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you faced an unexpected challenge. How did you respond, and what did it reveal about your beliefs and values? [09:26]
2. Consider a time when you were tempted to seek recognition or status. How can you apply Jesus' teaching from Luke 14:7-11 to choose humility instead? [05:44]
3. Identify a trial you are currently facing. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth, as suggested in James 1:2-4? [09:50]
4. Think of a person in your life who might be considered "less important" by societal standards. How can you intentionally include and value them, following Jesus' example? [05:19]
5. How can you practice surrendering your will to God in small, everyday moments, and what impact might this have on your spiritual journey? [09:15]
6. Reflect on a time when you were criticized or interrupted. How did you react, and what does this reveal about your character? How might you respond differently in the future? [04:00]
7. What steps can you take to become more aware of the hidden curriculum in your life and allow it to shape your character and faith? [09:37]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unseen Lessons of Life
In life, there exists a hidden curriculum that shapes who we become through unplanned, spontaneous moments. This curriculum is not about the knowledge we acquire but about the character we develop. It is revealed in the choices we make in everyday situations—who we choose to include, how we respond to interruptions, and how we handle criticism. These moments reveal our true beliefs and values, beyond what we profess in formal teachings. Embracing this hidden curriculum means being open to the lessons life offers in unexpected ways. [02:20]
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent unplanned moment that challenged you. How did your response reflect your true beliefs and values?
Day 2: Jesus' Mastery of the Hidden Curriculum
Jesus exemplified the mastery of the hidden curriculum, teaching not just through words but through actions and responses to everyday situations. His life was a seamless integration of formal and hidden teachings. Whether welcoming children, challenging self-righteousness, or observing social dynamics, Jesus taught profound lessons through his interactions. His life invites us to learn from the hidden curriculum by observing how he lived and responded to the world around him. [04:28]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you can emulate Jesus' response to everyday challenges. How can you apply this in your interactions today?
Day 3: Perfect Joy in Trials
The story of Francis of Assisi and Brother Leo illustrates that perfect joy is not found in achievements but in accepting rejection and suffering with patience and joy. This perspective challenges us to see trials and interruptions as opportunities to reveal the state of our soul and our surrender to God’s will. Embracing this view allows us to find joy in the midst of difficulties, knowing that they are shaping us into who we are meant to be. [07:38]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a current trial in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and joy?
Day 4: Surrendering to God's Will
The hidden curriculum challenges us to surrender our will to God, accepting trials and interruptions as opportunities to grow in faith and character. This surrender is not passive but an active choice to trust in God's plan and purpose for our lives. By embracing the hidden curriculum, we allow God to work in us through life's unexpected challenges, shaping us into the people He desires us to be. [09:00]
"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender to God? What steps can you take today to begin trusting Him more fully in this area?
Day 5: Recognizing Jesus in Every Moment
Embracing the hidden curriculum means recognizing that Jesus is with us in every moment, teaching us and shaping us through life's unexpected challenges. This awareness transforms how we view our daily experiences, seeing them as opportunities to learn and grow in our faith. By acknowledging Jesus' presence, we can approach each day with a sense of purpose and openness to the lessons He has for us. [09:50]
"Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of Jesus' presence in your daily life? What practices can help you recognize His guidance in unexpected moments?
Quotes
The hidden curriculum involves who sit next to who or who gets picked to be on a team and who sits out or who is included at lunchtime or who gets called on when they raise their hands. The formal curriculum is planned; the hidden curriculum happens spontaneously. The formal curriculum is about what we will know; the hidden curriculum is about who we will be. [00:02:02]
If in the formal curriculum we say every human being is made in the image of God, all men, all human beings are created equal, but if in the hidden curriculum of our daily lives, as we talk with people, connect with people, I get all excited and amped up and eager to please when I'm with somebody who is wealthy or important or attractive or highly educated... [00:02:42]
Churches have a formal curriculum, and one of the dangers for folks who do stuff like this stuff I've done most of my life is I get to think about what I will say in the formal curriculum and plan out what stories I will tell them, what language I will use and try to communicate the values that I most want to be associated with... [00:03:33]
It's in the moments of the hidden curriculum that what I really believe becomes apparent. The formal curriculum is where we declare what we profess to believe; the hidden curriculum reveals what we actually believe. And now Jesus was the master of the hidden curriculum. All good teachers understand this intuitively even if they don't know the language for it... [00:04:06]
He says to his disciples, what were you arguing about along the way? Because even though he's talked quite a lot about servanthood, when they're off stage, off the platform, what they're arguing about is who's the greatest. That's the hidden curriculum. Or he says to a group of self-righteous people, let the one who is without sin cast the first stone... [00:04:49]
Francis said, and then he goes through these other achievements wouldn't be a great ministry of healing, wouldn't be raising the dead, wouldn't be possessing all languages, all science, understanding all prophecy in scripture, even converting everybody. At this point, Brother Leo is amazed and he begs Francis to teach him where it is perfect joy... [00:06:47]
The reply is that if, when they come to their quarters, dirty, wet, exhausted from hunger, they are rejected repeatedly, rebuffed, and finally driven away by force, then if we accept such injustice, such cruelty, and such contempt with patience, without being ruffled and without murmuring, and if we bear all these injuries with patience and joy... [00:07:28]
The point of it is that when rejection does come, when suffering does come, when something difficult does come, that's the hidden curriculum that reveals to me the state of my own soul and the extent to which I really am ready to say to God, your will be done. I don't need to have my will done, to be able to let go of... [00:08:38]
In the hidden curriculum, in those moments, I find out the extent to which my will really is surrendered to God. Doesn't mean it's a weak will; it just means it's a surrendered will. So that's the thought for today: be aware of the hidden curriculum. It will come when you're not expecting it, when you get interrupted... [00:09:05]
When you are stuffing stuck in traffic, when somebody treats you in a way that you did not want to be treated, that's the hidden curriculum. And then Jesus is with us, and then Jesus is teaching, and we're teaching other people around us through the hidden curriculum all the time when all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives... [00:09:28]
My brothers and sisters, don't resent them as intruders but welcome them as friends. They are the hidden curriculum. Jesus is the master of the hidden curriculum, so look for it today. [00:09:53]
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