WINNING: A Christian perspective
(PS: SCBC won the Secondary Athletics Carnival last week.)
When I look at the meaning of winning, I note it is ‘gaining something’. It’s a victory in a competition, and it typically feels great!!
SCBC’s victory this week reflects our theme for the year of ‘celebrating community’. Our athletes personified our school values, especially grit and hope.
While watching races in the early part of the Carnival, I could sense our team’s feeling of togetherness, and a gritty wilfulness to give it everything.
The end result of it was expressed by a loud roar of excitement, as we were announced as the Carnival’s winners. Our PE staff were encouraging and affirming throughout the day.
Our win invites the question: ‘What did we gain?’. There was certainly the tangible evidence of a large winner’s shield.
Less obvious, but equally important gains included:
- Increased bonds of friendship,
- Shared sense of purpose,
- Seeing the benefit of support,
- Understanding that we need each other,
- Recognising the importance of strengths,
- Increased motivation, and
- Gratitude to significant others who made sacrifices for the benefit of everyone in the team.
The day’s victory became a prompt to reflect on Christianity and winning. I was drawn to the following passage of scripture in the Bible:
A Living Sacrifice
12 I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Gifts of Grace
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good, (Romans 12).
Insights from the Bible about winning as a Christian:
- A Living Sacrifice – Winning involves sacrifice and the renewal of your mind.
- Gifts of Grace – Winning is being active in your areas of gifting.
- Marks of True Christians – Winning is authentic love in action.
Beyond the obvious, we want our students to aspire to the lifelong renewal of their minds, personal insight to lean into their strengths and appreciate the gifts of others. We also want them to experience and exercise authentic love. At the centre of our Christian faith is Jesus’ love. His sacrifice (death of the cross) gifted us with grace, and an invitation to experience the fulness of God’s love.
Policy Change – Families with 4 or more children
Effective as of next year (Jan 2021), the 4th and 5th siblings of the same family will be given free tuition. This is a gift of support for families with 4 or more children. Our heart is to help our College families enjoy being together on their educational journey with us.
With blessings and encouragement,
Des.