True Measure

​by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

The sting of back-to-school shopping prompted me to become that parent; the one on the last day of school who confiscated that dreaded brown paper (teacher’s revenge) bag. I sifted through the bits of broken crayons and gunky glue sticks, foraging for survivors. Few items persevered through the year, except, that is, for the often overlooked rulers, protractors and compasses.

Throughout their schooling, students will be taught measurement principles and procedures. Various tools will be introduced and mastered. Without these vital skills, our children couldn’t tell time or set a goal to save for something special. Imagine a high schooler not being able to estimate how late they can sleep in and still make it to first period before the bell rings.

We naturally measure what’s important to us. We measure the success of our sports teams, our physical health, as well as the health of our bank accounts. But what about the spiritual health of our families? The true measure of a life placing God above all and aspiring to Christ-likeness is revealed in the light of Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”

Are we demonstrating the love of Christ to others? Do we find joy in our work, or do we allow negativity or difficult circumstances to poison our perspective? Are we faithfully sharing the gospel? Is there peace in our home and in our relationships? What is our level of self-control when faced with temptation? Do we respond to stress, difficulties, and challenges with kindness, patience and gentleness?

Measuring spiritual fruitfulness allows us to celebrate maturity and identify areas that are underdeveloped. It also reveals the quality and depth of our relationship with Jesus. As we look to sound biblical measures to guide our children along their journey into spiritual health, we will be incredibly blessed by the harvest. Our children have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16), and although the fruits of the spirit aren’t on this year’s school supply list, they are essential to a purposeful and abundant life. 

– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal