CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS PRICELESS

The back-to-school sales are in full swing. Parents are headed to registrations and orientations. Teachers are meeting with parents. Children and parents are dealing with a mix of restlessness, excitement, and trepidation. Another school year is beginning. Most people would agree that school is very important. A good education will help children to learn and grow and mature. More knowledge means more potential for a better life. A good education is important.

Isn’t that the same with Christian education? How important is it for us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Our Lord says that we need to feed our souls with the nourishing food of God’s Word. So our attitude towards Christian education is the same as the Psalmist who wrote, “I seek you (Lord) with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:10-11,15-16).

How often do we sit down and read a good book or the newspaper? How much more beneficial is it to sit down for a few minutes a day and read a devotion or a chapter of the Bible! How much time do we spend working, recreating, and exercising? How much more beneficial it is for us to meditate on God’s Word and ways in worship for one hour a week. Give that small amount of time to God and declare with the Psalmist, “I meditate on your precepts. I will not neglect your word.” You’ll see the spiritual difference it makes in your life.

But Christian education goes beyond that. God wants us to hide his words in our heart and delight in his decrees in Bible class as well. We have opportunity every week between services for adult education. Our Sunday group will be studying a series called “One by One” which will focus on every Christian’s privilege to reach out to lost and hurting souls with the gospel of Jesus. Our teen Bible Study meets between worship services to discuss what the Bible has to say about what’s going on in their lives too. Adult and teen education is vital. Please join us!

Christian education also includes children. God commands parents to bring their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4). St. John’s assists parents in this educational instruction by providing Sunday School, Lutheran Elementary School, and an Early Childhood Learning Center. In these faith-focused programs, the children hear the most important message in the world. They hear about their salvation through Jesus, forgiveness of sins, living a Christian life, and an eternal home in heaven. That kind of education is priceless.

Continue to read your family devotions (download WELS.app for numerous resources), come to worship services, and attend Bible classes with your family of faith. Send your children to Sunday School and/or St. John School. When you do these things you will notice a difference in your lives and theirs. You’ll find everything your soul needs and desires.

As the school year begins, take some time to thank God for Christian education. Ask God to bless our education programs and all those who instruct his little lambs. May God bless you and your children through his Word as he brings you closer to him and guides you through life. Education is important. Christian education is priceless.

Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Peter Sulzle