Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School - Charleston, SC

Greetings from Pastor -- September 2007
Pastor's Page >> Monthly Message

[The wicked] dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray. Proverbs 5:23

   As summer drew to a close and school began cresting the horizon into view, all in my family felt the tense moments of realizing that the summer assignments were not yet done. Summer assignments for school? Yes, that's right, now days there are summer reading programs and writing assignments given for the children to turn in upon their return.
   I remember the days when I didn't think about school until just a day or two prior to its fall start when I had to get a couple of folders and maybe some clothing. In fact, I don't recall much homework even during the year while in elementary school. But times have changed a bit and teaching techniques have changed a bit, yet it is still English, Math, History, and Science that the children learn. How to communicate, analyze, learn from others' experiences, and interpret what we see are still the same fundamental skills to be learned.
   The summer assignments may demand a little more from all of us, but the upside is that they encourage the students to practice the skills that they have already learned and maintain some of their discipline until the next school year. What is being taught is that learning is a life-long endeavor. We can never say that we know all that there is to know; not even all that we need to know. Each of us maintains some disciple in continuing our education to benefit us in our job, family, or community.
   I am preparing to begin confirmation class again this fall along with junior catechesis and adult Bible studies that have seen an absence during the summer months. Whether a class is in session or not, the Christian life also is in need of "continuing education." The Christian needs to practice their skills of confession and prayer and to maintain a discipline of devotion and Bible reading.
   Confirmation class certainly teaches all that is necessary for salvation but that does not mean that all that is necessary is the class. A Christian that practices their skills and disciplines will constantly remind themselves of their faith and will be prepared in difficult times or at times when that faith is challenged. Learning to depend upon God when times are good and it seems that He is not needed, will certainly help us depend upon God when times are difficult and He is desperately needed.
   We don't need to do our "summer assignments" to satisfy God and help our grade. His Son has already satisfied all the requirements and our grade is achieved through faith. We work on these "assignments" because through them, God helps us and teaches us to be the "A" students that He has already made us to be through Jesus Christ.
   Christian faith is a life-long endeavor as our mission statement implies. It is a life-long endeavor that serves to build and sustain faith as God's Spirit works and bestows forgiveness through His Word and Sacraments. The Divine Service, devotions and prayer are all gifts from God that prepare us and teach us to be disciplined for this life we live in faith. They are there always leading us back to Him and His grace.

The God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11

In Christ,
Pastor

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Greetings from Pastor -- September 2007