Immanuel Lutheran School Update

But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,

love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

Parents want what is best for their children in their lives. They want them to be safe and

healthy. They want them to be well adjusted and happy. They want them to never suffer want or

need. They want them to make a name for themselves and find great joy in their occupational

lives. They want them to have more: more money, more possessions, more leisure time.

All of these are fitting desires for our children as long as one piece is not missing from their

lives. That piece is the Word of God. The Word alone sustains and builds faith. The Word alone

is an anchor in rough waters and a fortress in raging battles. No reputation, no power, no

influence, and no wealth can replace the rock solid Word of God.

This was exactly the point that the Apostle Paul made to the young Pastor Timothy. Pursue the

things of God and not the things of man. As pastor of the church in Ephesus, Timothy would

have to correct and rebuke many false teachers who promoted their own so-called gospels to

make a name and gain great wealth for themselves. Paul warned Timothy that their love of

money would lead them into the pit and away from the truth.

Instead, Paul called upon Timothy to pursue what really mattered, wealth, not for this fleeting

and momentary life, but wealth lasting to eternal life. Pursue a right standing with God the Father

which can only come through the blood of God the Son. Pursue the life habits which were

modeled by the Son during His earthly ministry. Pursue a never-wavering trust in the promises of

God. Pursue loving others more than the love we have for ourselves. Pursue the renewed strength

of eagles bolstered by our study of the Word of God. Pursue a gentleness which remembers the

kindness and mercy of God towards us. Pursue eternal life in this life.

And so, Christ calls to us today through these words of Paul to the young Timothy. Don’t

pursue the emptiness of what the evil one and this world has to offer. Pursue life. Pursue a right

relationship with God the Father that can only come through God the Son. Pursue strengthening

our faith through continuing to grow in God’s Word. Pursue ways in which we can love others

just as in Christ God the Father loves and forgives us.

We may not be wealthy or powerful or influential. But we will know true life and impart the

words of life to others. That is a life worth living. It is also the best gift we can give our children.

Blessings,

Frank Van Brocklin, Principal/Staff Minister