Belong

Dr. James Taylor
Our 2018/2019 Annual Theme: BELONG

Consider for a moment where you belong? When you know you belong--truly belong--there is a peace and confidence that drives your life with freedom and personal mission. John Stott eloquently stated, “It is the mind’s knowledge by which the heart’s doubts may be silenced.” My knowledge confirms that I belong to my family. I have a loving wife and two great kids who constantly reinforce my belonging to them. I belong to an extended family that through the years have told me stories of my immigrant Swedish and Scottish grandparents making their way to American and Canada. I belong to a fantastic school, Calvary Day School, where I have the privilege of working with remarkable men and women who have deliberately chosen to make their lives count for eternity through serving in the lives of young people. Most importantly I know that I belong to a generous and loving God who has crafted my life and directed my path for nearly five decades.

In I John 3:19 the disciple who Jesus loved explains in simple terms the importance of belonging. He succinctly states, “Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.” We learn three very important lessons in this short but powerful verse. The first is that our actions will show that we belong. How could I say that I belong to my family but then constantly treat them poorly and speak with unkind words? I can’t. If I belong to my family then my actions of love, patience, and kindness will provide evidence of that belonging. The second lesson John teaches is that when we belong to God, we belong to the truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the physical embodiment of truth. He doesn’t just speak truth, he IS truth! The third lesson speaks to the life-impacting result of belonging...confidence. “Our actions will show that we belong to the truth,” and the result of these truth-filled actions is confidence. Confidence before our God and confidence before all creation.

Our annual theme for the 2018/2019 school year is “BELONG.” This year we will encourage our students, your children, to belong to something bigger. Perhaps that means being brave enough to try out for that sports team. Maybe it means preparing an audition for the lead in the school musical. Possibly that means playing guitar or piano in the school’s worship band. It could be that this year your son or daughter makes a personal salvation decision to belong to God’s family for eternity. Whatever the action, this year we will explore as a school family what it means to truly belong.  
 
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