“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9
Grit, perseverance, and diligence are qualities we strive to develop in our students and ourselves. As Christ-followers, these qualities push us to move forward in faith and with purpose in our lives and our learning.
The Oxford dictionary defines practice as the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it. This year’s devotion writers urge us to impact others in concrete ways. Their titles focus on actions we ought to put into practice—ones that Jesus demonstrated in his life and that were taught by Paul in his letter to the Philippians. As we bless others, we are blessed.
Philippians 4:4-9, this year’s theme passage (see inside cover), is filled with well-known and helpful directives, including:
- Always be full of joy in the Lord.
- Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
- His (God’s) peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
- Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
What’s most encouraging, however, is that when we practise these things we have the promise that “the God of peace will be with us.”
- William Groot, Principal
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your Son Jesus, our Saviour, who provides us with ways to live and serve you. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in us so that we can keep putting into practice what Jesus taught and demonstrated in his life. When we struggle or fall short, forgive us. Put us back on track to serve you and our neighbours as you would want. Amen.