Walk Humbly

By Andy Callow (Principal)

The third action part of our school motto, ‘Walk Humbly’, is intriguing.

How do we as individuals, and together as a community, "walk humbly"?  What would that look like in our day to day life together?

Sometimes it is helpful to consider how the opposite of this would appear.  Imagine a school whose essence is an attitude of pride in all it had achieved by its own efforts and who then looked down on other "less successful" schools.

The Scriptures are very clear that pride is the most toxic sin of all.  It is fuelled by a spirit of rebellious independence from God, and a destructive idolatry of self. In an individual this manifests itself as unattractive arrogance (the self-made man who worships his creator). If widespread in a community, this self-centredness erodes compassion for the poor and the vulnerable, instead these people are regarded as undeserving "losers".  

The Bible teaches that God opposes the proud of heart, but is on the side of the down-trodden.

True humility is not abject self-loathing (therapists know acutely how damaging this can be to mental health), rather it focuses on gratitude towards our Sovereign God for His love, mercy and great faithfulness.  Love for God also bears sweet fruit in how people respect, honour and serve others.

In the “upside-down” Kingdom of Grace those who seek to walk with God in humbleness of spirit will, in due time, be lifted up (by God Himself!) as they are ransomed, healed, restored and forgiven.

At BHCS we must guard against the seductive trap of praying "thank you Lord that we are not like other schools".  Instead, may we puncture dangerous pride by emphasising gratitude to God for His bountiful blessings.

John Wesley, in his commentary on Micah 6.8 encouraged believers to "Keep up a constant fellowship with God, by humble, holy faith". This is a wonderful way to build a school that truly honours Christ's name by living out a robust faith in unselfish service.

We have a challenging and encouraging school motto that motivates us to be authentic in our faith walk and where rhetoric is earthed in reality.  May I conclude with “The Message” translation of Micah’s call to God’s people first heard around 4000 years ago: 

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women.

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to 

your neighbour,

 be compassionate and loyal in your love,

 And don’t take yourself too seriously  -  

take God seriously.