Gradually Graduating…
Graduations make me sad – they usually mark separation. A child finally spreading wings, and off they go.
As a Jesus follower we all have an ultimate graduation day – only no longer a separation, but a reunion. A homecoming to beat all and words of affirmation like no other: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV)
We spend a lifetime preparing for graduation to eternity. But the preparation isn’t for a better position, a higher degree, or to make others proud. It’s about living on purpose, answering a higher calling, and finally finding humbleness.
Our classroom is life and the teachers are hard lessons. Late night cramming is done on our knees. Good grades are joy in the midst of life’s challenges and peace that passes understanding. There’s only one textbook, it’s filled with all the answers. The more we study it the more we learn. Every time we review it, there’s something new we missed before.
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)
We’re all at different points in our pursuit of life’s biggest graduation. Sometimes a new believer is a prodigy skipping preschool and heading right into college in their walk with the Lord. Sometimes a lifelong believer is still in kindergarten relying on the Teacher to show them one more time how to trust and give grace. Sometimes we have to repeat a grade or two.
The great news is God is the only one we’re accountable to and He isn’t keeping a grade book. Every time we lift up our eyes to Him, send up a prayer, fall on knees with no words, or pick up the Word and search it diligently He’s right there. Delighting in us at every turn, at every surrender. Each selfless act doesn’t gain us a higher mark, it gives us more peace. Each royal mess up doesn’t keep us from spending forever with Him, it helps us realize our dependence on Him.
We are instructed: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV) And with our fellow classmates “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV) Class of Forever, persevere.
parisrenae 
“Class of Forever!” I LOVE that concept!
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Yes, we’re in the same class 🙂 Can you see the hat tossing on that day? Woohoo!
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Love this! So many people are going through difficulties now and looking forward to graduation day. The scripture you shared, from Hebrews, is one I have been reading over and over. I even wrote a little about it. Your post is confirmation, from our Father, about His eternal truths.
😀 It will be so fun to finally meet you face-to-face when we all graduate to our Heavenly homes. 😀
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Erin, yes difficulties abound for sure and it is our Hope for the someday forever that keeps us going. I know, won’t it be awesome to meet people we connected with but never really knew, what a reunion, what a Savior!
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You are living out Hebrews 10:24. You are spurring others on, with your love and good deeds. 🙂 God bless your ministry.
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Amen! So glad God doesn’t keep a grade book!!!! Blessings upon your “studies!”
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Love your words of “blessings on my studies” – thank goodness we have the perfect Teacher and Book. Blessings to you as well…
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“Class of Forever.” Love that. 🙂 Beautiful reminder that the things we do for Him don’t cause Him to love us more, but rather—He loves us enough to grant us peace through them. He’s the best. Thanks for the encouragement to persevere. ((xoxo))
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He is the best for sure. So glad we will be in the same class throwing our hats high 🙂
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A great reminder to press on towards the ultimate goal! And praise God for His grace!
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Valerie, yes a lot of pressing on is required isn’t it – oh but that end goal – I will see you there…
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