Sincerity

by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

Last week 65 CCS students attended a 3-day Fine Arts Conference in Albany with hundreds of other middle and high school students. Students honored God through singing, drama, instruments, writing, art, etc. With over 80 categories for students to participate in, the event is often characterized with a hectic pace of moving from one venue to another to support fellow classmates. Many students can be nervous and self-conscience and the encouragement from their fellow students provides comfort and confidence. As the event gains momentum, so does that volume of their friends, as shouts of encouragement expand  as the unity of the group grows.

But perhaps the most remarkable result of the experience extends beyond the CCS community. Much of school life surrounds school spirit and competition between schools, often bringing out the best in students as they focus on something larger than themselves. What is even more amazing is when students realize there is something greater than their school! There is the Kingdom of God. At times during the conference, there might be an unknown performer who was having a rough time on stage, or was not well-represented in the crowd. Time and time again CCS students would rise to the occasion to provide encouragement to them. This selfless act of love would provide confidence and joy, helping the performer to breathe easy and perhaps see themselves as God does:  a priceless child of God.

This month the school is focusing on the character trait of sincerity. A person who is sincere is eager to do good with transparent motives. When we moved into our neighborhood, one of our neighbors introduced himself and eagerly offered any of the tools in his garage. He was being more than just neighborly, he was being sincere, as I have utilized (and broken) many of his tools through the years. Unlike my children when we are driving down Commercial and they see a Dutch Bros up ahead. Suddenly, the compliments come flying my direction, followed by a subtle suggestion about quenching their thirst. While just a fun illustration, this is still a common form of insincerity focused on self.

Connected to insincerity is gossip. This is also a focus this spring at CCS as we discover God’s view on speaking about others behind their back. The most insincere being is Satan, who is a constant accuser. In contrast, Jesus is a constant advocate. As we are created in His image and redeemed into His likeness, we are called to be advocates for each other, not accusers.  

May we join together with this teaching this month. 1 Timothy 1:5  states “...the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Sincerity and purity and goodness must first start in the little things before it can be consistently manifested in the areas that truly matter. Much like the recent Fine Arts Conference, much of our lives are dress rehearsals for future sovereign appointments where God desires to use us. 
 
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– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent