David Gleeson, principal of Melton Christian College, says that some young people struggle to see themselves as worthwhile – and that this is a tragedy.
“Melton Christian College is committed to changing such wrong thinking because every young person is priceless,” he says. “A Christian school looks to the Christian Bible for its values.
“Among the Bible’s ancient wisdom is a marvellous prayer, written hundreds of years ago by a desert dwelling warrior-poet: “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“These stirring words are so true. People, including young people, are indeed, “fearfully and wonderfully made”.
“Even Shakespeare confirms the same idea: “What a piece of work is a person! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel, in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world.”
“We are wonderfully constructed. It is right to be astounded at this breathtaking, breath-giving quintessence of molecules.”
Mr Gleeson poses the question, “So why do some teenagers fall into the trap of seeing themselves as worthless?
“Sadly, teenagers hear all sorts of rotten messages from social and mainstream media. Kids are bombarded with lies. Truth is shouted down and children can drown in untruth. False messages abound, telling precious teens they are not perfect enough, their bodies are not beautiful enough, their words not clever enough.”
Melton Christian College, he notes, has a different message.
“This school’s message to teenagers is that their Creator has made them, and that they are loved, just as they are. Parents and teachers at this school invest quality time and quality talk to reinforce the truth that children are “wonderfully made”.”
Melton Christian College, 152-156 Brooklyn Road, Brookfield. Enquiries: 9732 3000 or www.mcc.vic.edu.au
