Principal's Ponderings

Welcome to Term 3 - Let Your Light Shine

Welcome to Term 3. We are already half way through the school year. Over the holidays I have found myself thinking about stories that have stayed with me long after I have heard them. Stories of ordinary people choosing courage over comfort. People standing for justice, speaking truth with grace, refusing to compromise their convictions, and leaving a legacy that points beyond themselves. I am sure you too can recall stories like these. They remind us that one faithful decision can influence generations.

Arthur C. Brooks writes that, as we journey through life, our greatest question should not simply be, “Am I successful?” but rather, “Am I living a life of meaning?” That has caused me to pause and reflect on such a question. (In his recent book ‘The Meaning of Your Life’ - Arthur C Brooks)

As Christians, I believe Scripture takes us even deeper. Our greatest calling is not to build our own name, but to faithfully reflect the name of Jesus. I have shared this a few times this year as we focus on the theme of being 'Wholehearted'. The Apostle Paul gives us a deeper picture that is both beautiful and practical. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” — Colossians 3:12

Before we step into our day, this verse tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Those qualities are not personality traits reserved for a few. They are the very character of Christ being formed within His people.

In a world that often rewards self promotion, quick opinions and following the loudest voices, Jesus quietly invites us to walk a different road.

The crowd says, “Fit in.” Jesus says, “Follow Me. The crowd says, “Look after yourself first.” Jesus says, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). That takes courage.

At Devonport Christian School, our deepest hope has never simply been that students achieve outstanding results, important as those are, and we do everything we can for them to learn and grow. Our prayer is that they leave our community looking more like Jesus than when they arrived. Young people who include those who are left out. Who stand beside someone being treated unfairly. Who choose honesty when cheating seems easier. Who speak truth with gentleness. Who love when it costs something. Character is forged in thousands of small decisions long before it is seen in life’s defining moments.

The missionary Jim Elliot once wrote, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” That has always challenged me. Faithfulness is rarely spectacular. More often, it is found in quiet obedience, repeated day after day. What obedience can we repeat quietly everyday in our life?

When our lives are clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, people notice. Not because we are trying to be noticed, but because they catch a glimpse of Jesus.

This week, before you leave home each morning, pause for just a moment. Ask yourself, “What am I putting on today?” May we put on Christ. May we choose character over popularity, conviction over convenience, humility over pride, and love over indifference.

For when we follow Jesus instead of the crowd, we leave the kind of legacy that never fades.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

May we step into this term with eyes open to how we can live this out daily. Our hope is to be a blessing to everyone we encounter along the way.

Shalom,

Chad