The Humblest of Kings December 17, 2012

The King of kings is our example of humility, as odd as that may seem.  How does the  portrait and imagery of a King serve as the ultimate example?  How do we cover ourselves in humility when we are united with Christ?

Jesus humbled himself.  The King of kings, His very nature God, became man.  Philippians 2 paints a stunning picture of the extent that Christ humbled himself.  It would be one thing for God to come to this earth and rule as an earthly king but that is not how he revealed himself.  He made himself nothing.  He came and was not born in a palace but in the squalor of a stable.  He came and led a life as a teacher and a servant, not a life of privilege.  If that was not humbling enough he became obedient to death itself.  The next words in Philippians are familiar but should not be read too quickly, “even death on a cross!”   We may miss the full weight and impact of that statement.  He did not live a life as a servant and die just any death; he did not die in his sleep at an old age.  He humbled himself to die the death of the cursed, to hang on a tree. 

That modeled humility is the perfect antidote to the self-serving attitude that can creep into our lives.  It provides a stark contrast from the self-love that plagues humanity.  It is a message we all need to hear; it is a message our students need to hear.  In a society where people clamour for their “just” rights and entitlement Christ’s example becomes counter to that culture.  He became nothing and forfeited much.  We also need to surrender our entitlement and our rights to follow the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

The clothes of Christ, those are the clothes that I want my children to be wearing.  We pray that our students, throughout the year, will practice clothing themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience all bound in love, the perfect adhesive for the community of Christ.

Presidential Wood Chopping Dec. 10th, 2012

As we enter the Christmas season and the month of December I would like to take the opportunity to view the next piece of clothing, humility.  In Philippians 2 we are instructed to live with a Spirit of humility.  It states, “in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  I am reminded of the story I read of a college professor appointed to his post in the 19th century.  This president, Booker T. Washington was a renowned educator and  exemplified this humility. Not long after his initial appointment as president of a college he was taking a walk in the well to do part of town.  There he was stopped by a wealthy woman who had some yard work that needed tending.  Not knowing the famous individual by sight, she asked him if he would like to earn some extra money chopping wood.  Because he had no pressing business at the moment, he agreed and smiled as he rolled up his sleeves.  He then went about the business of completing the humble chore.  After the chopping was done he spent the extra time to carry the logs into the house and stacked them neatly by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady. The next day the women went to see him in his office.  She was apologetic and embarrassed by the whole incident.   He was gracious enough to reassure her that he enjoyed a little manual labour and it was delight to help her in her time of need.  A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honour such selfless people. We deal with each other in this community in various relationships and I pray we will cover ourselves with humility with an attitude of loving service as we interact.   ~Mr. Bouwers

What’s in a Name Change? Dec. 3, 2012

As we step forward as a school and embrace a new name on the outside of this building I think it would be good to explore the topic of name changing altogether.  In the Bible there were numerous times when someone was “renamed.”  Often the new name was used to help with the remaking or the identity of the individual.  Abram was renamed Abraham, Jacob was renamed Israel, and the list could go on.  The names did not change who they were as God’s children but it may have helped clarify their calling.  It did not change who they were before that point it just enabled them to move forward with renewed mission under a new banner. 

We will often hear of a name change after a wedding ceremony.  When two become one in marriage in our North American tradition the one partner will often change her name.  This does not change who she is as a person.  She remains who she is with all her gifts, talents, idiosyncrasies, and imperfections intact.  She does receive an expanded identity as she takes on a new name.  She becomes part of a larger family.   The family is expanded to include both the husband and the wife’s family.   As we marry the two names it is important to know that we will not cease to carry our identity but we will look to expand our family.  We will remain faithful to the mission and vision of this school.  

As we celebrate the heritage of Dundas Calvin Christian School we can also look to the new banner that will help clarify our calling and mission.  We live and move and breath in God’s providence and we claim that fact as a Christian school.  When we provide a quality, Christ-centered education we do so in the knowledge that the Lord is Lord of all.  When we develop the gifts of God’s children we do so clinging to His divine care and direction.  When we prepare them for a life of leadership and contribution in His Kingdom we do so knowing that we rely wholly on his provision for us.   This is what defines us as Providence Christian School.