Making the Grade

Through the years God has shown me a lot about the learning process. Whether it is studying just a little harder for that final exam or preparing yourself spiritually and emotionally for the tests of life, one thing you should remember is that you can never be too prepared. When the final analysis is in, the grades you make will matter.

If you are struggling with academics, ask yourself the question: What am I really focused on? Most teenagers these days are not focused on school work. Their attention is centered on self-image, friendships, what to do on Friday night, and simply surviving as a teen in a dog-eat-dog world. In fact, I am learning that many teens develop a sort of tunnel vision, where they see only one piece of the pie. They often focus on one area of life, leaving everything else spiraling out of control. There is simply NO balance.

So what's the remedy for bad grades, bad attitudes, and anything else that might be out of kilter? Finding a new center in Jesus Christ. When we allow him to call the shots, he not only gives us direction and peace, but he changes our want to's into his want to's, and that is a very good thing! When our priorities (the things that drive us, the things that we consider important) are in line with God's priorities, then he gives us the grace, ability, and resources we need to do things well and "make the grade," so to speak.

Don't settle for less than God's best for you, or your ability to do what is required. Most anyone can make good grades in school and still find time for friendships and fun. Don't go overboard in one area and neglect learning what you need to learn in order to be a success in life. Knowledge is important, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn and make this your best school year ever! Your grades and God's glory are certainly worth the effort.

"So whether you eat or drink (or study for that final exam!) or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Lying Eyes

They say that our eyes are windows to the soul. That's so true. I can look at my children and know whether or not they are telling me the truth. And nine times out of ten, your parents can tell what's going on when they look at you. You may think that all parents are dumber than dirt, but we see things in you that you just can't hide. In the words of the great rock band, The Eagles, "You can't hide your lying eyes."

Since the beginning of time people have been lying to those in authority over them, and to themselves, by failing to accept responsibility for their wrong actions (sins). Remember Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit? They disobeyed God by eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When God asked them about it, Adam pointed his finger at Eve, who in turn blamed the serpent for deceiving them. Seems to me that the one who lies is dumber than dirt.

What about Cain? We learn in Genesis 4 that he got angry and killed his brother Abel because the Lord accepted Abel's offering and rejected his. Abel didn't do anything wrong; in fact, he offered to God the very best of his firstborn lambs. When God asked where Abel was, Cain responded, "I don't know. Am I my brother's guardian?" (v. 9) Talk about denying his own wrongdoing! God wasn't fooled. "But the LORD said, 'What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground! Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother's blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth'" (Genesis 4:10-12, NLT).

Make no mistake, lying is never the solution for avoiding the consequences of your sin. You might fool yourself into believing that your sin is not such a big deal, but you'll never convince God or your parents. That's because they love you too much to overlook an offense that could bring you or others great harm.

Cain learned a painful lesson: that sin results in unavoidable and potentially devastating consequences. The only cure for sin is taking responsibility for your actions, repenting of (turning away from) the sinful behavior, and seeking the forgiveness of God and those against whom you have sinned, including yourself. "If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing" (1 John 1:8-9, The Message).