My father learned this lesson from his Heavenly Father, in whom there is "no shadow of turning" (James 1:17). His Word offers many stories and expressions of genuineness:
- Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
- Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. (Rom 12:3)
- Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Rom 12:9)
How are we genuine at Trinity? Well, one thing the faculty and staff deliberately guard against is the opposite of genuineness: pretense. Within the education environment, there are many opportunities to say one thing and do another, or to promote a glamorized version of our school that does not reflect the truth. So, we fight against pretense. And we recognize a freedom in the gospel to be honest about our weaknesses and our failures, in order that we might lean on Christ and on others to truly improve. The gospel frees us to be real with people, because we know we are loved.
Another way we strive to grow students who are genuine is via our Profile of a Graduate, the product of a collaborative effort in our school last year. Here are a few of the 45 criteria for a graduate who:
- Values learning as a lifetime pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty
- Seeks to understand both sides of an argument with intellectual honesty
- Thinks clearly while discerning what is true
- Embraces humility as the root of all virtue
- Demonstrates genuine growth in fruits of the Spirit for the good of others
Of course, we cannot just say these things and expect hearts and minds to change. In fact, I don't think my father used the word "genuine" all that much, but he lived it. And, his life and message connected with me. So, as parents and teachers, may we use our words and set the example in order to connect our children with the greatest of things. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (Phil 4:8)
In Christ,
Stephen Sprague
Headmaster