Why does Eastside have a Lutheran elementary school?

Some educators today stress the importance of independence in children. They want to lead children to think for themselves, plan their own activities, handle their own difficulties. This is part of growing up. But the road to independence is not an easy one. Frustrations and dangers stand like trees in the middle of a highway. In order for a child to gain independence, that toad must first be cleared and paved by faithful parents.

You can lead your child to independence by giving him or her a guide to follow: God’s Word. When you child sins, ask him or her to tell you what part of God’s law he or she disobeyed. By doing this he will learn to see his own sins rather than someone telling him. Assure him that his Savior died to take away his sins, and pray with him for forgiveness. Teach your child not to despair because of what he has done, but to be certain of his forgiveness in Christ. Motivate your child to serve the Lord in love. Teach him to pray in any situation: praising God when successful, asking for aid when facing a challenge, or asking for strength when disappointed.

Beware of those who teach children should reason everything out. Some educators teach their students to demand proof for everything, praising students who say, “Prove that there are 50 states in the United States. I don’t believe you!” Would those same students require proof if their parents would say, “Go outside! The house is on fire!”?

One cannot use reason with God’s word. God tells us to accept many things in faith. We trust the Savior whom we have not seen. We trust in one God, yet three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe the gospel of Jesus for our salvation. We know that we cannot do a thing to save ourselves though our sinful reason would have us believe otherwise. True independence is to depend upon God for all things, being assured that He will help us face each new challenge and survive every failure.

So what does this have to do with our title? We have a Lutheran elementary school to assist you with all these responsibilites. We are here to teach your child all these things as well as help you in doing these same things at home. When we work together as a home, a school, and as a church, our children will not get mixed messages about life and the things have to offer. Most importantly, we all work to give our children the clear message of eternal life. Let’s work together to give our children heaven!!

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him. Psalm 37:5