Encouragement

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Pass Or Fail?
©
by

Stephen A. Peterson


Most people who attended college for any length of time are generally able to tell of a college class where the professor gave her or his students an examination requiring them to carefully read the instructions before beginning the test. Dr. Estes, a noted learning psychologist and a colleague of the even more famous B.F. Skinner, gave the class a two page essay final examination for the Psychology of Learning class at Indiana University—Bloomington. Students who carefully read the examination instructions prior to beginning left the examination site in a matter of minutes earning an “A” grade. Those who choose the three of eight questions Dr. Estes generally gave during the course of the semester earned an “F” grade.

The examination instructions directed students to do one specific question. That one question asked the student to respond in five words or less. After the exams were graded and the grades posted, I went in to talk to Dr. Estes about the test. He stated that the response to the question: “Learning is…?” was—“acquired knowledge or skills” or some variation to his desired response. That was the examination! Yet some students reportedly remained at the examination site writing essays for nearly two hours!

Following instructions in life even among Christians is often so difficult that most will fail. Failure mainly due to so many people’s desire to want to do what THEY desire. Some of these people believe themselves to be “liberated”, “free”, or “progressive”. Others will argue: “Jesus was a liberal! He was against the religious leaders of His day and against the state as well!” Jesus never advocated liberal nor conservative notions. He advocated we follow His laws and commands—which are very simple.

Following God’s instructions are mainly what the word of God is about with the promise of eternal life (an “A” grade). But modern Christians like Jonah want to do it their way. Jonah, if you recall, was called by God to minister to the people of Nineveh and convert the inhabitants of that sinful city. But rather than respond to God as He had been instructed, Jonah ran away trying to hide to avoid doing what he was commanded to do. When God caught up with Jonah and put him in his thinking chair (the fish) did Jonah accomplish his mission.

Like Jonah of the past, we are commanded to follow instructions as well. Christians are commanded to participate and be actively involved in their communities. They are to share, in a Godly manner, their time, talents and treasures to advance the kingdom of God. We are not to run away, hide, not vote, and not participate in governmental affairs if we have the talents to do so or deny being a follower of Christ. We are commanded to express our Christian. We are to be salt and light. Jonah had to be held up for a time to get it right as do many who call themselves Christians. Christians are we are to run away from the controversial issues of abortion, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, euthanasia or anything else that are against the word of God. We instructed to stand to and be counted among the voices of opposition if we have to even to give of our treasures, sacred honor and life! Yes, even our lives if called to do so!

Each child, woman and man is given specific instructions by God to advance the Kingdom of God by using the skills, abilities, time and treasure given her or him. Every person regardless of their age or condition can cross over from their life of sins and selfishness to a new life in Christ. This new life is ours because of Jesus’ sacrificial, courageous act on the cross—Following the instructions of His Father—even to the death of the Cross. Like many of the students in Dr. Estes’ psychology class, some went back to read the instructions then did what was necessary to pass while others continued doing what they wanted only to fail. Those who are alive have an opportunity to go back and get it right. However, the opportunity will someday not be available to those who continue to procrastinate for whatever reason or reasons

How will you approach the word of God and the Life of Christ? Will you pass or fail?

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