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Topic: Exams (07/26/04)
TITLE: The Final By Lisa Beaman 07/29/04 |
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The exam is impossible to pass. The curve has been set. Excellence is the only passing grade. I fall short every time and I always will.
Even though the exams are difficult and impossible to pass, it is good that I should take them. The exams show me where I need improvement.
“Pride? Again? I thought we worked on that last week!”
“You’ve failed at stewardship. Why can’t you get this one thing right?”
My examiner is my worst critic. She knows my every flaw, my every sin, my every oh-why-can’t-I-keep-my-mouth-shut-word. My examiner is myself.
The Bible tells us that we ought to examine ourselves before we take communion (1 Cor. 11:28). When I obey and examine my heart, I see how much I fall short. These weekly exams help prepare me for the final.
One day, I will stand before the throne of Heaven and a critic far worse than myself will bring forth every poor grade (Romans 8:34). He will try to hold my failures against me, but this is one exam that I cannot fail.
I will not pass this final exam on my own as “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Thankfully, someone has already taken the test for me. Jesus, my Savior, my Lord, will intercede on my behalf (Romans 8:34). My failed exams have been nailed to the cross (Col 2:14).
“Thank you! Oh, thank you! God, your love for me, as imperfect as I am, simply amazes me! May the conviction of the Holy Spirit never allow me to forget the precious sacrifice of Jesus.”
“Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you. O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
You have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
-Psalm 86:11-13