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The Paradox of God’s Foolishness- Graduation Address
- Posted by Brett Henry
- Categories Online Learning
- Date June 26, 2023
Note: Brett Henry is head of school for Sevenstar Academy. The following is adapted from his address to the Sevenstar Academy graduating class of 2023.
This year marks the completion of my seventeenth year of full-time Christian ministry—the majority of that now in Christian education. During my time as a school administrator, nothing has brought me as much joy as the privilege of seeing students complete their journeys through secondary education and commence a new path toward the future that God has for them. Graduation ceremonies are a time to celebrate the accomplishments of these young people.
To the Parents
Before I address the graduates, I want to recognize the parents, grandparents, and guardians who have invested your time, talents, and treasures into helping your students reach this milestone. Our entire philosophy at Sevenstar Academy is built on the belief that Christian education is most effective in partnership with the home and the church. We set out, together, to educate and raise up a generation of leaders who will bring glory to God.
Parents, you bear the God-given mantle to train children in the way they should go, and expect that as they mature they will not depart from this way. We at Sevenstar are honored to have had the opportunity to partner with you in that effort. It is our hope that, because of this partnership, a biblical worldview now resonates through every area of your child’s life. We pray that today’s graduates are well on their paths to being discerning, biblically based thinkers who are ready to give sound answers for their faith in a world that will try to silence them.
To the Graduates
Graduates: This ceremony is a pivotal moment in your lives. We are not just celebrating the completion of one chapter but also the commencement of a new one. For some of you, that newness fills you with excitement and anticipation. For others, it is eagerness and anxiety. Perhaps for some of you, it is all of the above!
Embrace a paradigm of weighing all ideas in every area of your life against biblical truth.
As you know better than any of us, you are at the center of an intense competition for your hearts and minds. And each year, I argue that it is one of the most intense competitions in history. If I had to summarize the entirety of my counsel to you as you enter the “real world,” it would be to embrace a paradigm of weighing all ideas in every area of your life against biblical truth. Indeed, if you forget everything else you have learned—even if you tune out the remainder of this message—I pray that you have developed the habit of viewing the world through the lens of Scripture, and that you have begun a journey toward gaining and sustaining a life-transforming grasp of God’s truth.
The World Yet to Exist
One of the most important roles we play is to prepare our students for a world far different from the one in which we were raised—far different, even, from the present. Former US Secretary of Education Richard Riley, in describing this charge, said, “We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented, in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.” That, of course, is a tall order—one for which success can never really be measured. However, I have always maintained that teaching students to think, to engage in critical processing, and to form a foundation for analyzing the world through the lens of biblical truth is the greatest contribution we can make on their young lives.
In preparing for today, I looked back over my notes from the previous few graduation ceremonies, as a reminder of just how much the world has changed in such a short window of time. Then, it occurred to me that this short window was likely your entire high school career. The world already looks vastly different from the “new normal” that the global pandemic introduced, and the rate of change has accelerated significantly.
(Truly) Artificial Intelligence
Reflecting on this year, the prevailing change in academia has been the wide-scale introduction and adoption of artificial intelligence platforms and tools. Seemingly overnight, AI emerged as a force that promises to shape the future of our world—and already has. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI has proven its capabilities, bringing convenience and efficiency to various aspects of our lives. Its algorithms can process vast amounts of data, analyze patterns, and even mimic human-like behavior. It is undeniably impressive, a testament to human ingenuity and innovation.
However, amid this technological wonder, we must pause and acknowledge that AI is, as the name implies, artificial. There is a profound distinction between artificial intelligence and the wisdom that flows from our Creator. There is a colossal distinction between what the world says is intelligent, wise, or right, and what the Lord ordains and desires. The book of Proverbs tells us that “there is a way that seems right to man, but that way ends in death.” While AI may possess the ability to calculate, predict, and learn from data, it lacks the depth, empathy, and discernment that God bestowed in the human spirit.
While generative models such as ChatGPT cause us to marvel at the complexities of artificial intelligence, we must also recognize that the human brain, fashioned by the hands of our Creator, is a masterpiece beyond compare. The intricacies and the sheer brilliance of our minds are evidence of a divine intelligence that surpasses anything we could ever create. The textbook definition of “artificial” is essentially “man-made.” And as we know, human ideas are as many as they are demonstrably wrong.
For example, in our modern world, moral relativism has gained significant traction. It champions the idea that individuals have the freedom to determine their own moral compass and create a society where right and wrong become fluid concepts, shaped by personal preferences and cultural norms.
However, as God’s people, we understand a different perspective—a biblical worldview rooted in the timeless truths found in God’s Word, which emphasizes the existence of absolute moral standards and the pursuit of God’s truth in every aspect of life.
Foolishness
Again, the title of this address is “The Paradox of God’s Foolishness.” Now, before any of you call our business office asking for your tuition back because of my seemingly blasphemous title, let me pause here to comment on it. I am not implying that God is foolish. In fact, I am not implying anything at all—rather, the apostle Paul is. In 1 Corinthians 1:25, he stated this: “the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom.”
Paul was not saying that God is foolish or weak. Instead, he taught why so many people reject the idea of a crucified Christ. From a godless perspective, it’s weak and foolish to think that God would sacrifice His only Son to pay the penalty for human sin. However, we recognize that God’s “foolishness” in giving His Son is the greatest of all wisdom. We see the incredible strength required for Christ to remain on the cross and die instead of exercising His power over those who would kill Him.
Students, in a world that encourages moral relativism and other forms of artificial intelligence and false truth, it is essential to hold steadfastly to the unchanging principles and values derived from the Bible. The Scriptures guide us in discerning right from wrong, truth from deception, and light from darkness. They anchor our souls, grounding us in a foundation that transcends shifting cultural norms and technological advancements.
Let your lives be a testament to the transformative power of living in alignment with biblical principles.
As you venture into a society that often questions the notion of absolute truth, I encourage you to embrace the responsibility of being ambassadors of God’s truth and love. Let your lives be a testament to the transformative power of living in alignment with biblical principles. In a culture where truth is often subjective, seek truth that is unwavering and eternal. Hold firm to the belief that there is absolute truth found in God’s Word—a truth that provides clarity in the midst of confusion, purpose in the face of uncertainty, and hope in the depths of despair.
At Sevenstar Academy, the primary aim of your education has been centered around the belief that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. You have been taught to think critically through the lens of a biblical worldview, recognizing that all truth finds its origin in God’s Word and that true wisdom is anchored in reverence for God. Our world is indelibly marked by AI—not just the technological kind but all forms of artificial truth or wisdom. And so, I want to share two distinctions that I believe will help you navigate the world that God, in his infinite wisdom, has prescribed for your transition into adulthood. Consider this, if you will, your final crunching before the test of life.
Invest in People
First, embrace the depth of the human experience and marvel at God’s greatest creation: people. Human intelligence goes beyond the raw processing power of AI. It encompasses our ability to love and to connect. Generative AI is, at its core, a language model. As we consider language, remember that we’re told in 1 Corinthians 13 that if we speak in the tongues of men or angels—that is, if we’re proficient in the languages of man—but do not have love, we are only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Moreover, if we have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge—that is, if we possess worldly or artificial intelligence—but do not have love, we are nothing.
I hope that your studies at Sevenstar, and your belonging to its global community, have taught you to value the diversity of human stories, cultures, and perspectives within God’s people. Embrace these unique experiences and connections that have shaped your understanding of God’s world. Seek opportunities to engage with people from different backgrounds, learning their wisdom and sharing your own. By honoring the depth of human experience, you can develop empathy, broaden your horizons, and foster meaningful connections that transcend the limitations of artificial intelligence. While AI may excel in processing information, it cannot replace the depth of human experience, the beauty of human connection, and the transformative power of God’s wisdom in our lives.
Remember the inherent worth and dignity of every person you encounter as each image-bearer of the creator God. Use your intelligence and discernment to foster a world that cherishes human connection, empathy, and genuine relationships. Use your creativity and God-given gifts to make a positive impact, lift others up, and build bridges of understanding in a world that often seems divided. By doing so, you can be a light in the midst of technological advancements, showing others the transformative power of human connection modeled and rooted in the love of Christ.
Godly Wisdom
Secondly, cultivate godly wisdom in decision-making. In a world driven by algorithms, automated processes, and the absence of absolute truth, the need for discernment and moral reasoning becomes even more crucial. As you navigate the complexities of life, rely on the wisdom that flows from God’s Word. Let the timeless principles of the Bible guide your decision-making. As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, cultivate a habit of seeking God’s guidance and aligning your choices with His will. Remember, true wisdom is not merely intellectual prowess but a heartfelt understanding of God’s truth and a humble willingness to submit to His guidance.
I pray that as a result of your time at Sevenstar, you understand that true wisdom comes from aligning our thoughts, choices, and actions with the unchanging truth found in God’s Word. In a world that often separates faith and reason, Sevenstar has sought to bridge the gap, and to remind you that critical thinking and a biblical worldview are not mutually exclusive. By embracing both, you will develop the ability to navigate the complexities and changes of life, engaging with ideas and concepts while remaining rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
By honoring the depth of human experience, you can develop empathy, broaden your horizons, and foster meaningful connections that transcend the limitations of artificial intelligence.
As you encounter differing viewpoints and competing ideologies, let the light of God’s truth shine through your actions and words. Engage in meaningful conversations rooted in love and respect, offering a glimpse of the profound impact that a biblical worldview can have on individual lives and society as a whole.
Above all, remember the words of Jesus, who proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” As followers of Christ, you are called to reflect His truth and embody His teachings. In a world searching for direction and meaning, let the light of Christ shine through you, illuminating the path to ultimate truth and fulfillment.
Conclusion
To conclude, I reiterate that now, more than ever, the world needs individuals who can think critically, discern truth from falsehood, and engage with the wonders of worldly intelligence, misguided wisdom, and technological advancements through a lens of faith. As impressive as technical artificial intelligence may be, as appealing as looser ideologies may seem through the lens of this cultural moment, these all pale in comparison to the wisdom and intelligence of our Creator.
As you prepare for your next chapter of life, I pray you find yourselves prepared to think critically, discern truth, and engage with the wonders of the world’s foolishness through the lens of a biblical worldview. May you be ambassadors of God’s truth and love, reflecting His wisdom and bringing light to the complexities of a world that doesn’t yet exist, through your careers and pursuits that are not yet known.
Class of 2023, I have enjoyed getting to hear each of your unique stories. I thank you for allowing us to be a part of your story, and I look forward to hearing how God uses you to expand His kingdom. He has equipped each of you with many gifts and talents to enable you to do His work. May the work of your hands become evidence that the foolishness of God is the greatest wisdom there is—indeed, the only truth.
In closing, my prayer for you is that as you do these things, you will always give God the glory. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and enjoy the increasing pleasure of His company all of your lives. Thank you. Congratulations and God bless.
Tag:Administrators, Educators, Parents, Students, Teachers
Brett Henry has spent his career leading Christian ministries as a local pastor, church planter, school administrator, attorney, and denominational leader. Passionate about the advancement of Christian education, Brett joined Sevenstar in 2016 as our chief operating officer before becoming the head of school for Sevenstar Academy in 2018 and the chief executive officer in 2021. Additionally, he serves as the vice president for educational resources at the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI).
Brett lives and worships near Dayton, Ohio, where his wife (Jessie) is a school-based speech-language pathologist. Two beautiful daughters complete their family.
Brett is degreed in computer science, business administration, and project management, with advanced degrees in public administration and jurisprudence. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership.
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