Our Pillars of Integrity

Written By Jacy Armbruster

At Summit Classical Christian School, we prioritize not just academic excellence, but also the formation of virtuous character in our students. One of the most important virtues we aim to instill is that of integrity. In today's society, where so much seems to be a struggle for power, success, or recognition, integrity stands as a beacon of true leadership and strength. Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, guiding us to do the right thing even when no one is watching.

As part of our commitment to discipleship, Summit aligns each student with one of four 'houses', each named after a Biblical figure: Jonathan, Moses, Elijah, and Daniel. These individuals were not only significant in Biblical history but also epitomized the virtue of integrity in different, yet deeply impactful ways.

Jonathan: The Integrity of Friendship and Sacrifice

Jonathan, the son of King Saul, presents us with a model of integrity in friendship. His relationship with David is an exemplary story of loyalty, trust, and self-sacrifice. Even when his father sought to kill David, Jonathan warned his friend and helped him escape, risking his own position and life. He chose to do what was right, guided by a sense of divine justice and a love that transcended personal gain or social standing. Jonathan’s integrity teaches us that true friendship demands a willingness to sacrifice for the good of another.

Moses: The Integrity of Leadership and Humility

Moses, a monumental figure in Biblical history, led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and towards the Promised Land. What sets Moses apart is his humility and his commitment to God's commandments, even under the weight of leadership. When faced with the opportunity to have his family line made into a great nation instead of the Israelites, Moses declined, choosing instead the greater good of his people. His life was a constant dialogue between human frailty and divine instruction, always striving to align his actions with God's will. Moses exemplifies integrity in leadership, showing us that the right choices are often the hardest to make, but they are always worth the struggle.

Elijah: The Integrity of Courage and Faith

Elijah's integrity shines through his courage and unyielding faith, even in the face of peril. When the Israelites were straying from God and following Baal, Elijah took a stand. He alone confronted King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal, challenging them to a test to prove whose God was real. His incredible courage and steadfastness came from an unwavering integrity of faith. Elijah’s story shows us that integrity sometimes calls us to take a bold stand for what we believe in, even if we stand alone.

Daniel: The Integrity of Consistency and Principle

Last but certainly not least, we have Daniel, who was a model of integrity through his consistent conduct and principles. Even when he was taken to Babylon, a foreign land with foreign gods, Daniel remained committed to his beliefs and practices. When a decree was made that would compromise his faith, Daniel chose to follow his principles, even if it meant facing death in the lions' den. His integrity lay not just in big moments but also in his day-to-day actions. Daniel teaches us that integrity is a long-term commitment and that living a principled life every day prepares us for moments of great challenge.

We hope that each student, regardless of their house affiliation, will find inspiration in these Biblical figures and seek to cultivate integrity in their own lives. Our house system not only fosters a sense of community and belonging but serves as a constant reminder of the timeless virtues that we aim to instill in our students. In a world that often seems more interested in what you have rather than who you are, let us remember that it is integrity that defines true character. So whether you are a Jonathan, Moses, Elijah, or Daniel, let integrity guide you through your journey at Summit and beyond.