April 18, 2010 “Grading Life” Arlen Hollinshead Romans 12: 2-8

It was just over a month ago Michael approached me about taking to the pulpit today. Actually, he was laying a guilt trip on me, as only he can do! Somewhat reluctantly, I agreed, though I had no idea what the topic might be! Some time later, my daughter took my granddaughter to McNary High School, for parent-teacher conferences. That clicked on a bulb--grades--yeah, maybe I could tie into that. For those of us who remember OUR school days, or who have kids or grandkids in school now, we know, with the end of a term, semester, or school year comes student anticipation of receiving grades. We're all likely familiar with the "A to F" grading system, but I'd like to review it with you today, from perhaps a slightly different perspective.

An "A." This represents excellence; well above average. Dedication. Commitment. It shows A-bility. Deep within each of us are desires to do some wonderful things. God wouldn't give us these desires, without also the means by which to accomplish them--our abilities. Our goal is to discover those abilities, exercise them and properly channel them.

We all have abilities. As Kathy read earlier, Romans 12:6 tells us, "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." Astute persons are those who discover their God-given gifts and make the best of them. Some folks know they have abilities and use them, saying, "I'm good at what I do." Is this wrongful boasting? Certainly not; it's okay to rejoice in our abilities, providing we also give thanks to God; otherwise, abilities are mere dreams. II Corinthians 3:5 reminds us, "It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God."

Some feel they have abilities, but, due to circumstances, or means beyond their control, don't have the opportunity to utilize them. Although perhaps a blow to the ego, if, in fact, the reasons are TRULY beyond one's control, one should rest assured God's love is still present.

We may be envious, or jealous, of another's abilities. Caution is needed here. There are many persons with abilities, but whose lives one would not want to emulate! I can think of several people in that category, including some pro athletes and more than one political figure!

Despite the verse cited earlier, there are those who feel they have no God-given abilities. Until a college sophomore, I considered myself just an "Average Joe," with no special talents. I loved sports, but had no innate ability and, despite having "slimmed down" from about 225 pounds to 180, I was still "fat" and out-of-shape and, frankly, too lazy to work hard to develop needed skills. One of the guys in my dorm was the closest thing I know to a "natural-born" athlete. He played football and basketball, was on the swim team, played baseball and did track, excelling at all. Besides, he was good-looking, had naturally dark skin and a body to die for! You know, one of those guys someone like me could easily hate! Just kidding! Actually, he and I were good friends.

Almost pleading, he asked me one day to help him study for mid-terms, saying he wasn't much of a student and, if he didn't keep up his grades, he'd get kicked off the football team and be ineligible for basketball. So, we spent four hours going over his two most difficult subjects. At the end, he looked at me, saying, "You're sure lucky. Not only do you get this stuff, but can make it clear to a dolt like me. I wish I had that ability."

So began a mental transition for me. No, I wasn't an athlete. I couldn't play a musical instrument, I couldn't speak a foreign language, I couldn't dance, but maybe I DID have some abilities I could share. And Matthew 25:29 tells us, "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given and they will have an abundance." (Oh, and Toby did pass his tests, by the way!)

A grade of "B." Above average, very good, to be commended. One has been B-lessed. We may get down on ourselves, or our lives, but we have, oh, so many blessings for which to be thankful. And sometimes they come in strange forms. Per James 1:12, "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing." Indeed, some of the greatest blessings CAN come from adversity, for those who transpire it have proven their faithfulness to God. And certainly we need to give thanks; God gave us more than we realize. If we don't express thanks, we begin to take our blessings for granted and become complacent, ungrateful twits!

Are there responsibilities which come with blessings? Indeed! Deuteronomy 16:17 suggests giving and receiving blessings go hand-in-hand. Can PEOPLE be blessings? Can you be a blessing to me and I to you? Of course! Galations 5: 22-23 tells us, with the Holy Spirit, we are given the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. By sharing the fruit of goodness, we become blessings to one another.

A "C." Admittedly average, yet passing. But, hey, there's absolutely nothing wrong with average! A "C" may be average, but that, too, is worth C-elebrating. And guess what? God isn't opposed to celebrating. In fact, God wants us to celebrate, but for the right reasons. Neahmiah, in Chapter 8, extols the virtues of celebrating; it lifts our spirits and helps us to see the meaning and beauty of life. Psalm 47:1 and 98:4-6 tell us to clap, shout to the Lord and sing with joy!

But, the caution tape is up! Celebration which is self-centered, self- indulgent, involves sinful acts, or results in giving in to temptation is not appropriate.

A grade of "D." Well, here we have a lack of skills and/or self-discipline, not properly applying oneself. Perhaps it's time to make some important D-ecisions. Ah, yes, life is full of decisions. Some relatively minor (like getting a chocolate, or vanilla, cone!), some a bit heftier (which job to take, which home to buy, which path to take.) The most important decision in life, however, is whether or not to follow God--that one has eternal implications! Joshua 25:14 states, in part, "... if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve...But, as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."

We should first seek God's wisdom in any big decisions. "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow" is David's plea in Psalm 25:4. There are important principles to follow in making decisions; be sure to have all the facts, be open to varying ideas and seek God's guidance.

A letter grade of "F." BIG oops! We have fallen short, have not shown purpose, we lack success. We just haven't made the grade, no pun intended! But, is there anyone here who can honestly raise a hand and say, "I have never failed at anything in my life?" Good, because I have a polygraph machine in my car! Although none of us can say we've never failed at anything, as I look around, there is no one I see whom I would consider a "failure in life." We've all failed at something, we all have weaknesses; the key is how we handle it; the choices we make to overcome failure, not making the same mistake again. In fact, Paul talks in II Corinthians 12:9 about boasting of weakness, so the power of Christ can work within him. Failure is not and end--it is about beginnings. We can recover and move on.

One segment of my Optimist Club's Youth Appreciation program recognizes students from 12 area high schools who are "Most Improved In Academics." These are kids who have really struggled.

They've had failing grades, were skipping classes/school, maybe on the verge of dropping out. In fact, some have left, then realized their mistake and returned. Some actually have been homeless. Without exception, each has recognized a teacher, counselor, or someone who took a hold of them and wouldn't let go. Most mentioned at least one parent, or sibling, who had stood beside them, supported and encouraged them. Some have even given credit to (gasp!) God! Can you imagine; 17/18-year old kids in front of a group of 30- to 80-year old adults, publicly thanking God! One even noted some Scripture which had been vital to her---your homework assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to read at least the first seven verses of Isaiah 43.

Whatever grade in life we receive, how we respond to it is paramount. Be it A-bility, B-lessings, C-elebration, D-ecisions, or, yes, even F-ailure, all are gifts from God, for us to exercise and channel. My friends, may we all "grade" lives fairly, others' and our own, be it as parent, child, teacher, supervisor, Disciple of Christ, or friend. And do it with the greatest gift of all, love! It's the one gift, the more we give, the more we receive!

Shalom.