Principal's Ponderings

'Just Keep Serving'

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13

There is something powerful about service that is freely given. Not because we have to. Not because we want recognition. But because love moves us to act.

Here at Devonport Christian School, we are building a culture where loving God and loving others is not a motto, it is deep in our purpose of living. And one of the clearest ways we live that out is through serving one another in love.

Jesus set the gold standard. Recently, I watched the new season five of The Chosen, a narrative series that seeks to portray the life and ministry of Jesus and His disciples. In one of the latest episodes, the director offered an interpretation of how the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet might have unfolded. While artistic portrayals can never fully capture the depth of Scripture, and some may prefer to hold these sacred accounts only in the words of the Bible, I found this particular moment deeply moving.

For me, the scene highlighted the awkwardness the disciples may have felt and the astonishing humility of a leader choosing to serve. It reminded me again of the servant heart of Jesus, who modelled what it means to love through action. Whether through the lens of a screen-play or directly from the text of Scripture, the image remains profound: the King of Kings kneeling to wash dusty, dirty feet, not the other way around (John 13:5). 

He also touched the untouchable (Matthew 8:2-3; Luke 5:12-13; Luke 7:14; Mark 5:41; Matthew 9:29-30) . He paused for the overlooked, including children (Mark 10:13-16; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 19:1-10). And then He said to His disciples, following the washing of their feet, and the message was to all of us in future generations being followers of Christ, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).

Serving is not always glamorous. It is found in lunchboxes packed with care, in helping a child find their lost hat, jacket or jumper, for the hundredth time, in staying up late to prepare a class presentation or tuck in a restless child to bed. It is in the patient explanations, when it has been explained three times before, the quiet listening, the sacrifice of time and comfort.

But service, when done in love, reflects the very heart of God. It's what we all do as parents and for those as teachers and assistants in class.

We see it at school every day too, students offering to help a friend, opening doors, sharing resources, or simply including someone who feels left out. We are so proud of these quiet acts of kindness, they are the seeds of servant leadership.

As a parent community, you are modelling this beautifully. Whether it is showing up for events, helping in the classroom, praying for our staff, or cheering your child on through hard days (because there always will be hard days), your love-in-action is not unnoticed.

Galatians reminds us that our freedom in Christ is not a license to focus inward but an invitation to love outward. Serving in love is how we become more like Jesus and how our families grow stronger in unity.

In your home this week, consider making service a family rhythm. Ask your children:

• Who can we bless today?
• What small act of love can we do for someone else?
• How can we serve each other here in our family?

When children grow up learning that service is a joy, not a chore, they begin to see others through the eyes of Christ. Stopping and pausing to ask, who needs to be encouraged, who can we bless, is wonderful practice and can have generational impact.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve.”

Greatness in the Kingdom of God does not come from titles, trophies, certificates or achievements. It comes from humble hearts that love like Jesus.

May this week be full of moments where we pause, notice, and serve, quietly, joyfully, generously. May our community be marked by the love that gets low, gives cheerfully and points others to the One who came not to be served, but to serve - Jesus.

With thanks and deep appreciation,

Chad