Advancements in technology have made it so that me and my wife can view the educational progress of our children for each class that they take. Every week we receive a flash update of their grades for the current reporting period which shows us the current number grade they hold in the class.
These interim reports also show us the average progression of the grade itself. For example, if our sons are not doing well in English composition or Reading, then the interim report will show the number grade (let’s say an 83) with a bold red arrow pointing down alluding that the cumulative grade of 83 was lower than the previous week. This is often followed by a written explanation from the teacher as to why the grade decreased (homework not turned in, sub-par performance on a quiz or test, or etc.) and possible teaching/accountability strategies to get the average grade moving back in a positive direction.
I believe this is a large part of the motivation that the apostle Paul gives to the church in Ephesus on how to effectively live to please God and thusly receive the highest possible grade for the work that is done. Paul essentially says in Ephesians 5: 15-20 to garnish a responsible demeanor when exercising the God-given privilege afforded by his grace just to breathe air. This is the prudence and carefulness which we all must exhibit in properly surveying how we are living.
If we are prone to study the 66-volume instructional textbook of “right-way” living called the Holy Bible, we will find the definitions and equations needed to solve problems that we otherwise would not have been able to solve for ourselves. We are talking about a Holy writ that provides wise instruction against Satanic folly and unrighteous disposition. This is the instructional manual which shows us how to make the most out of every opportunity by seeking Jesus Christ while he may be found, by casting our cares upon him because he cares for us, and by knowing that the daily bread which we ask from him to get us through the day is more than enough to sustain our thoughts, to strengthen our minds, and to supersede the whims and waning traps of Satan our adversary.
The day in which we live is filled with evilness of every kind, and just like certain rejecting and disobedient spirits which refuse to be reformed in the modern-day classroom, we who are wise enough to live according to the way of the Lord are striving toward the best possible mark that we can obtain.
Paul warns us not to get drunk on wine because it leads to debauchery which simply means that it leads us into indulgences that are excessive, extreme, and extraneous. In layman’s terms: “We don’t need them!” We don’t need them because the best grade in the class of ‘Life’ cannot be attained while being under the influence of anything other than Jesus himself. As the apostle Peter told us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” A sober mind is needed in order to properly receive discernment by way of the Holy Spirit.
Know that the Holy Spirit is testing you every day to see how well you are discerning him, being directed by him, and how you are applying Biblical instruction to practical and pragmatic living. You are always being graded by God on how well you are living based on your application of his Biblical principles.
How will God grade you on your report card? If the arrow is Red and going down, then get your head back in the books (ie The Bible) and study to live up to being an “A” student.
Peace and Blessings.
~ Rev. E. Shon Hagwood, M.Div.
