WE took a detour in the previous post from our study in Principles of Spiritual Growth to share a “Daily Moment” from Mark Hamby tilted “The Screwdriver.” In that reading Mark Hamby recalled an encounter with his son’s request for a screwdriver, Mark’s reaction to that request, and the subsequent counsel of a friend that unearthed Mark’s ungodly attitude and behavior. I’m dating myself here, but it reminds me of an old TV commercial where a guy is slapped with aftershave and cries out, “Thanks, I needed that!” – in a silly way illustrating the serious truth that a painful experience can at times be the best thing to happen to us.
I HAVE a fascinating book near my computer on my desk titled “With Love and Prayers,” A Headmaster Speaks to the Next Generation. It is the writings, the daily talks of Episcopal priest F. Washington Jarvis, headmaster to the Boston’s Roxbury School for boys. I was introduced to this by reading the story below in another book on Character Building, where Washington Jarvis relates the comments of another celebrated headmaster, Cyril Alington. As the story goes, once confronted by an aggressive mother the following conversation ensued:
“Are you preparing Henry for a political career?” the mother asked Alington.
“No”, he said.
“Well, for a professional career?”
“No”, he replied.
“For business career, then?”
“No”, he repeated.
“Well, in a word, Dr. Alington, what are you here preparing Henry for?”
“In a word, madam? Death.” said Dr. Alington
Father Jarvis was keen on addressing the boys with this mission reminder: “The principal mission of your education here (at Roxbury), is to prepare you for life. And the starting point of that preparation is the reality that life is short and ends in death. When you finally face with courage the reality that nothing in this world endures, you instinctively reach out for what does endure and for what provides meaning, for the reality beyond what can be seen and heard and felt.”
SO, pause and allow that to sink in for a moment – Selah.
THERE was a time in our culture when we used to speak in terms of “tough love.” When was the last time you heard that phrase? We don’t hear that phrase much these days, falling victim – I believe – to the “self-esteem” movement. As I have read through the daily talks found in F. Washington Jarvis’ book, I recall what “real tough love” really is just that, tough love – a very frank, open, honest and truthful display of life’s realities. In my read of “With Love and Prayers” I found all kinds of fresh quotes for my quote collection, like these:
“The only life worth living is the hard life, … it is never dull, more exciting, rewarding, and, dare we say it, much more fun “
“We grow more through our sufferings than through our successes.”
There are many more “wisdom” gems found through-out “With Love and Prayers.”
HERE’S a response to a parent who came to F. Jarvis complaining that their child didn’t like the teacher, and for the first time was getting poor marks:
“I’m glad he’s unhappy. He now has the opportunity to grow by discovering how to cope with someone he doesn’t like. It will be very interesting to see how he handles it”.
THIS last comment struck a cord with me as I thought of some of the unpleasant characters I had to “learn” how to deal with in my many years under and in authority. But what strikes me most in this, that Mark Hamby’s illustrating story about the screwdriver is the frank, straightforward speech needed to get past the head to get into the heart. For the heart is where our soul is, the core of our desires, intentions and very being; the nature of who we are that needs to be changed and brought into conformity to Christ (Rom 8:29).
In the catalogue to the Roxbury School, addressing its curriculum it states: “…it is …to ends towards which a boy uses his intellectual training that is our principle concern. We care, most of all, what kind of person a boy is.” [Emphasis mine] That ought to be the mission statement of every follower of Christ, Christian parent and educator. It is not so much what we do in the Christian Life – important as that may be – but who we are in the doing it. What kind of person.
HOW does that happen? Well, go back to Paul’s three points mentioned last week in Eph. 1:16- 21. Paul prays for:
1) Knowing the hope of our calling in its entirety. Studying to show ourselves approved, bring every thought captive, rightly understanding the word of truth.
2) Enjoying the riches of our inheritance in the saints in its entirety as the family of God – iron sharpening iron (Prov. 27:17). Under the authority of faithful pastor-teachers and elders; and yes, submitting to the watchful care of parents and brothers and sisters in Christ (Eph. 4; 5:17-21).
3) Relying on the exceeding power available to all in Christ – the principle of “Not I, but Christ;” laying claim to the promises and principles in taking on the whole armor of God (Eph 6).
IT is interesting that these three are the marks of the true Church (Acts 2:42); 1) the faithful preaching of the Word, 2) the faithful administration of the Sacraments, which includes the fellowship, unity and interactions of the saints, and 3) all aligned with corporate worship and prayer.
I HAVE two final thoughts, but I think I’ll leave them for next time. That’s enough for today’s consideration.
In the blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2
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