CHAPEL TALK
CHA P E L TA LK
“We’re in the Same Boat” By the Rev. Darren Steadman
Here at St. Christopher’s School, we not only want to get good grades in class, but we also focus on being the best person we can be. So, every month, we focus on a new core value, a positive character trait. And every month, we work on a new core value so by the end of the year, we will be gentlemen of honor and integrity. The first value we focus on is citizenship. Now, I want all of you to grow up to be great leaders in different ways, using your own gifts and abilities. And the first thing that every leader has to learn is how to be a good citizen. In other words, to lead a group of people, you have to know how to be part of that group of people first. We all have to be good citizens, even the leaders. Our scripture reading today comes from the book of Philippians, which
was originally a letter written to people who were starting a new church. Paul wanted to start new churches everywhere, so he wrote letters like this one to his friends in different cities, explaining how to live together and start a new Christian community. Paul wrote to his friends saying, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) Paul was saying that it’s important to always look at the people around you and honor everyone’s needs and gifts, not just your own. This is how to be a good citizen. There’s a story about this idea from the ancient Jewish tradition. Once, in a faraway kingdom, a messenger approached the king one day in the royal court. “Your Majesty, there are fires spreading in the east! Villages are burning, King, please help!” The king thought and asked, “Are these fires spreading all the way up to the royal castle?” “No, Your Majesty,” the messenger replied, “they are in the far eastern edges of the kingdom.” The king spoke: ”Well, then, I’m sure they’ll figure it out for themselves,” and he sent the messenger away. Soon, another messenger came with another message, “King, there is flooding
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