"Is there anything I can do for
extra credit?"
I considered the source and the question; one I had
been asked quite a few times. Occasionally I consent, but most of the time I
utter a simple "No." What I really want to say is, "If you would do what I
disperse, you wouldn't need any."
My schema is such that if a student tries, they will
normally pass. Low test scores are raised by homework and class participation
grades. And of course my grace will dispose of a few low marks. Rarely is extra
credit needed when a student is working vigorously…but those asking normally
aren't.
I've discovered the same in my spiritual journey.
Though our spiritual rewards differ, God doesn't assign extra credit because we
don't deserve any. Every grade (blessing) he dispenses proceeds from his grace
not our merit. Referencing a servant's perspective, Jesus said of obedience;
"In
the same way, when you obey me you should say,
'We are
unworthy servants who have simply done our duty'"
(Luke 17:10 NLT).
If I work for God with a slothful attitude, I've
missed the purpose of the relationship. If I earn my spiritual grades just to
make heaven, I've misunderstood my purpose. And if I'm presently neglecting God
while hoping for extra credit to pass the final account, I'll be sorely
disappointed. God created us for interaction with him…not forced but enjoyable.
He endowed us with special abilities engineered to be used at a particular time
in the world. There's never been another person like you, and no one can
complete what God covets you do at this particular historical moment. Don't look
for extra credit; just diligently enjoy doing what God has given you to
accomplish. Seize every opportunity.
Prayer: Everlasting God, may we be content to do our
God-given duty of loving You supremely and others sacrificially.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
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