“For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:1-3)
The Apostle Paul displays the heart of a father. He has a “great conflict,” (verse 1) a heart that yearns for his “children,” desiring that they all obtain these important ingredients for life. The gifts he mentions nicely describe what is received through Christian education.
He longs “that their hearts may be encouraged.” (verse 2) Encouragement is a vital ingredient in a productive life. There is much in this life that is discouraging, especially to a child. What can be more encouraging to my heart than to know that God loves me dearly, that He has a purpose for me, and that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”? (Philippians 4:13)
Paul also desires that they all be “knit together in love.” (verse 3) Being reminded daily of God’s constant love develops an environment of love. It is heartwarming to see children playing together in harmony in one of our parochial schools, and to know the love for these children that unites the congregation members who support them.
In that environment where “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” (Proverbs 9:10) and where God’s Word is taught daily, we will “attain to all riches of the full assurance of understanding.” (verse 2) Truly understanding God’s grace is the greatest source of riches and gives one full assurance. That also enhances every form of knowledge and understanding. Every subject is made rich and meaningful in the context of God’s supreme rule over all things.
Finally, he desires that they gain “the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (verse 3) Some would argue that a good secular education is necessary to really succeed in this world. However, the true treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ and the Father. That is why the Gospel is called “the mystery of God,” (verse 2) which cannot be figured out by deductive reasoning. It is only revealed in God’s Word. In God’s Word we receive the treasure of eternal life with God in heaven, which is worth much more than worldly success. But even by academic measures, our Christian day schools have often proven to be superior to the public schools. In this way they prepare our children for life in this world and the next.
Paul desires these things for you so that no one will “deceive you with persuasive words,” (Colossians 2:4) and so that no one will “cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) The public schools of our day are full of empty deceit that can lead children away from the treasures of true wisdom and knowledge. When people don’t even know something as concrete and objective as what makes a male or a female, there is little hope of finding any absolute truth.
Christian education is a key ingredient for life. May we treasure it, desire it for our children, and continue in it all our lives. For it is truly “better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” (Proverbs 16:16)
is pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon, British Columbia.
