Growing men of character - learning from Samuel the Prophet.
This week in Chapel, we looked at the story of the Lord sending Samuel to anoint a new king for His people. This was a significant event in Samuel’s life and can be found in 1 Samuel 16.
Samuel is sent to find Jesse in Bethlehem and anoint one of his sons as the future king. On arrival, he invites Jesse and his sons to prepare themselves for a sacrificial ceremony and join him. Jesse arrives with seven strapping boys in tow. On seeing the first, Samuel is impressed by his physique and is sure this must be the boy God has in mind. However, God says no.
"Do not consider his appearance or his height... The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
One by one, seven of Jesse's sons file past Samuel. One by one, God says no. At this point, Samuel is puzzled, and he enquires if Jesse has any more sons. Awkwardly, Jesse admits there is one more, the youngest, left tending the sheep. The entire party waits, standing, while David, the youngest, is fetched and ceremonially cleanses himself. Finally, Samuel receives confirmation from God: “He is the one,” and so begins the story of the ‘king after God's own heart’.
This week, we reflected on the idea that it is our character—what is in our heart—that is most important. Academic success, athletic ability, artistic skill, charisma, and more are all admirable qualities. Yet, it is our character that truly matters. Our school’s mission is to develop well-educated men of character.
Deeply held values, a strong moral compass, empathy, care for others, work ethic, and integrity—these are the attributes Jesus called us to embrace, and they are the qualities we strive to nurture in our boys during their time here.
As I reflected on this in preparation for Chapel, I felt challenged to consider whether I am doing enough to encourage and celebrate good character in our students. Can I encourage you to join me in celebrating when our boys demonstrate growing strength of character and in gently correcting them when they fall short?
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