As the new school year kicks off at FACS, our first secondary chapel of the academic year, set the tone for the year ahead.
Dr. Sanders, our Head of School, welcomed the students back with a powerful message rooted in 1 Peter 2:17 (NLT): "Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king." This verse served as the foundation for his message, encouraging us to focus on our pillar of People this year.
1. Respect Everyone
Dr. Sanders emphasized that respecting everyone is a call to recognize the inherent value in every person. Every individual is created in the image of God, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. He challenged us to value others through small acts of kindness, like offering a kind word or inviting a new student to sit with us at lunch. These simple gestures can make a significant difference, especially for those who may be struggling.
2. Love the Family of Believers
Loving the family of believers is about fostering a deep, genuine love for one another within our community. Dr. Sanders urged us to support and encourage each other on our faith journeys, building a strong, united family of believers at FACS.
3. Fear God
To fear God is to hold a deep reverence and awe for Him, recognizing His holiness, sovereignty, and the greatness of His love. Dr. Sanders reminded us that the way we learn to fear God is by reading His Word, which serves as an instruction manual for our lives. We will inevitably face challenges, but challenges are harder to overcome when we stray from His Word. By helping each other grow in Christ, we can remain on the right path.
4. Respect the King
Lastly, respecting the king—or in our context, our leaders—can be challenging, especially when we disagree with them. However, Dr. Sanders pointed out that God calls us to respect authority, even in a world where disrespect, division, and disregard for authority are common.
As we move forward into the school year, let’s remember these four essential attitudes: respect everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, and respect the king. By embracing these principles, we can create a culture at FACS where everyone is valued and respected, making our community stronger and more united.
