1st Corinthians 13
I wrote this a while back in response to some other folks looking at 1st Corinthians 13 and applying it to what they do. As an assistant principal it certainly made me think. My question for you is how might you rework this passage for your own life?
Have a great and blessed week. Hope to see you all soon.
Clay
1st Corinthians 13 for School Administrators
Based upon 1 Corinthians 13 for Teachers by Rachel C. at Grace4Teachers.com
If I am a captivating, articulate and inspiring administrator, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I have all knowledge and wisdom in dealing with teachers and staff, and with students and parents and all the numerous issues that arise, and have not love, I am nothing.
If I give my free time finding teachers resources, creating exciting professional development, attending extracurricular student events, building partnerships with the community, and designing stellar school improvement ideas; and have not love, I am nothing.
Love is patient.
It does not get annoyed with endless questions or the millionth time a staff person asks, “What time will the faculty meeting be over?” “Or why do we have to do this stupid state initiative?” “Or can I have another as in the 9th parent conference about the PTA fundraiser over which you have told me you have no control 8 times before?”
Love is kind.
It speaks to teachers and students with kindness, even in times of stress. It looks for little ways throughout the day to show faculty and staff how much they care about and appreciate them. It smiles every chance it gets. It even takes the time thank others with written notes.
Love does not envy or boast.
It does not “show off” to make the administration look good, but instead gives credit for each success to others.
Love is not arrogant.
It doesn’t pretend to know everything. It asks for help.
It listens respectfully to the opinions of others and is willing to admit that it is wrong. It is even willing to ask forgiveness from faculty, staff, students or parents when necessary.
Love is not rude.
It finds ways to correct without belittling or embarrassing others.
Love does not insist on its own way.
It does not get out of sorts when the school day does not go according to plan, or when something does not work out in its favor. It does not consider its way the only way to do things.
Love is not irritable or resentful.
It gives everyone in the school a clean slate daily (or sometimes hourly) and doesn’t hold grudges. It doesn’t take criticism from others personally. Its mood is not dictated by outside circumstances.
Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.
It looks for the positives in teachers, staff, and students instead of focusing on their weaknesses. It doesn’t feel smug or justified when someone in the school “gets what’s coming to him.” It is heartbroken when someone makes wrong choices, not because those choices affect the day, but because those choices are displeasing to God.
Love bears all things.
It sets aside the to-do list to really listen to what’s on a member of the school community’s hearts and minds. It finds time to listen to the loooooong stories, prays for both personal guidance and for the well-being of others, and counsels’ folks with sincere humility.
Those problems that seem so trivial to an outsider are very real and heavy burdens on the heart of the person in front of the administrators.
Love believes all things.
It believes the best about the entire school community. It has faith that everyone wants the very best for the students.
Love hopes all things.
Even after a rough day, it is still hopeful, knowing that it was a day in which God was working His grace and perfect plan.
Love endures all things.
It keeps going day in and day out. It doesn’t give up on anyone, because God never gives up on us.
Love never ends.
If you are a school administrator like me, then you recognize so many of these areas where I fall short each and every day.
But as a wise educator reminded me in her writings, there is no way that any of us can daily show that kind of love to our community without God’s grace!
We need God to work in our hearts and give us that spirit of love.
I certainly realize that I am not as loving as I could and should be.
I get it wrong. I often fail to give the love I could to those I pass by each day.
Fortunately, scripture reminds me of a loving God who offers an amazing grace that is truly undeserved.
God loves me, even with my many shortcomings. And God’s grace gives me hope to face each situation and seek a way to demonstrate love. Knowing I can count on the love and grace of a God who is with me, in both life and in death, gives me strength to face whatever might come my way.
As the Psalmist proclaims “You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.”
Glory be to the God the Creator, the Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.
Clay Gunter
February 15, 2016
