Reflections on Relationships

Guest Article by Dr. Kynerd, Chancellor, Briarwood Christian School

November 14, 2010

These reflections are offered to encourage you: to have the Lord as your shepherd, to remain faithful in honoring Him through your relationships, to meet each relationship with confidence and security rooted in God, to remember His sufficiency, and to be grateful for the gift of each day.

1. People are more important to God than anything else (John 3:16). Therefore, Christian school workers must honor people in ways consistent with God’s love for them. Honoring people as a reflection of our love for God becomes a cornerstone for building a grace community. “Love one another” (John 15:12).
2. Every School worker is confronted with challenges, tension, disappointments, and conflict. We reveal our view of God by how we receive difficulties and by how we respond to the people and situations involved. Matthew 6:25–33 invites us to trust God. The alternative is to trust ourselves or circumstances. Initial indicators of trusting self or circumstances are worry, criticism, complaining, or feeling underappreciated. Trusting God begins with asking immediately, “Father, what would you have me learn from this, and would you guide my response?” Run from self to God.
3. Dr. Harry Reeder, pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, observes: “One indicator of our reverence for the Lord is how we treat one another.” How are students, teachers, staff, parents, and visitors treated at your School?
4. When communicating with people, remember: “Say what you mean, mean what you say, but never be mean or convey criticism in what you say.” Every contact, personal and impersonal, provides a discipleship opportunity. May we see our opportunities and responsibilities as treasured gifts from God.
5. How you respond to people and tension defines your view of people and of excellence, and will have a life-changing impact person by person. What happens at School will last into eternity and may impact which eternity a person has.
6. How you do what you do will define the School’s culture. School culture has an overwhelming influence on School success and advancement. “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). James 1–3 instructs us in the wisdom we need.

The leadership of the School plays the determining role in how people will be viewed and whether God’s perspective on people will shape the School’s practice. May we honor God by trusting and loving Him, by depending on Him, and by growing in gratitude to Him for people.