Chaplains’ Chat

I am sure we all have heard of the saying ‘the eyes on the prize.’ It is often used in a sporting context to reflect on the end goal of the competition or game. People want to win their sporting fixture and so will focus on the prize in store for them. However, it may not be a sporting prize. Our Year 12 students no doubt have their ‘eyes on the prize’ of finishing their final academic School year well. No doubt part of this prize will be a well-earned holiday. How do you and I go about life with our ‘eyes on the prize?’ As we continue to look at the School’s New Testament Bible reading, we have already been reminded that indeed, the prize (or inheritance) that we will receive is one that can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for us. With this in mind, Peter reminds his readers that we are to do good and have an attitude that focuses outwardly.  

There will be numerous ways in which this could occur. Knowing that God has made all people in his image and knowing that all people are valuable and precious in God’s sight means that I should show the proper respect to all people. Even more, I am to love people around me. This is certainly an outward focused attitude. All of this is framed in the context of being in a loving relationship with God. As he has made us and knows how best to live, we are to take his words to heart. This is just one way of giving God the proper respect and reverence that is due to Him. Of course, with the prize awaiting, there is great encouragement to think of others in life. As 1 Peter 2:17 says: ‘Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.’ 

Rev. Anthony Benn 
Chaplain