I Timothy 4:8-10 – ‘For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

The myriad of sporting and outdoor activities offered here at Newington, serve as fantastic opportunities for our young men to develop their character and to learn the importance of teamwork, resilience and discipline. The sense of camaraderie and physical challenge which the boys have experienced throughout the winter season of sport, have provided a fantastic platform for the development of life-long values that have far reaching benefits.

The verse from I Timothy highlights the place that physical training (along with social and emotional development) has in developing lifelong values, which, according to this verse, seems to pale into significance when compared to the notion of ‘godliness’. The words godly and godliness actually appear only a few times in the New Testament; yet the entire Bible is a book about godliness. And when those words do appear in the Bible, they are bursting with meaning and instruction for each of us.

When we ask, “What do you think of when you think of godliness?” the answer usually ends up expressing a connection with character. Godliness certainly includes reference to developing a god-like character, and is more than a recognition of the existence of a divine being, but rather a healthy devotion that adds to our faith, knowledge of this divine being. This is where our Newington College motto ‘In Fide Scientiam’ draws its foundation (1 Peter 1:5-9), reflecting our belief that faith and knowledge go hand in hand.

Devotion to God is part of the development that we aim to do our part in fostering here at Newington. The desire is to open the lines of inquiry, through our Philosophy and Religious Study classes, the Chapel and the CRU group, so that each boy has the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of God where possible. Ideally during their days here at Newington, our boys may recover a sense of awe and profound reverence for God as they are inspired by His love, mercy and grace.

Rev Geordie Barham
College Chaplain