This is the time of year for graduations. There are so many of us that know someone who is graduating. They may be graduating from, eighth grade, high school, or even college.
I have a son that graduated from eighth grade last night. We have been anticipating this time of celebration. We have also been preparing. Getting the “right clothes” to wear, according to my son’s ideas. Planning a short history of his life video. Putting together a tri-fold full of life memories. And of course, there is the food for the reception. Wow! Plan, plan, and plan. It takes planning to make any celebration event special.
Graduations are special landmarks in our lives and the lives of our children. They mark their accomplishments. It also marks what choices they have made in accomplishing their achievements.
This really made me think of the most important “Graduation” that is coming for us as Christians. We are living in a time of preparation for that grand celebration. The question is, “Are we ready to graduate?” The difference between this graduation and a graduation here on earth is that we won’t be able to graduate with anything but an “A”. It is not based on a sliding scale or you can’t just slide in by “the skin of your teeth”.
What I believe our entrance to heaven is based on is our striving for the mastery through our love to learn more about the One that has loved us so much to give all for us.
Those that strive for a good grade in school, have to work really hard to get that good grade. They are working hard for the good grade and a lot of times they are getting no enjoyment out of it.
Someone who loves to learn does not consider it hard work. They do it out of the joy and love of learning, they enjoy it and the result is a good grade.
There may be some that really struggles with learning but they have someone in their life that has sacrificed a lot for them to get an education and they work tirelessly out of love for the person who gave so much for them. The work seems light because of the love they have for the person that has sacrificed.
If we really realize what God has done for us, the sacrifice that He has made. We will have a love for learning more about Him. We will be eager to learn all we can to improve our “grade” (selves). Instead of graduating with Gold Cords, or a Gold Medallion we will receive a Golden Crown of Life.
How do we get this Golden Crown of Life?
- Fall in love with Jesus. You might be saying, “How do I fall in love with Him?” I would say to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating what He has done for you, especially in His last hours on the cross. You can find this story in His Word, the Bible.
- Read God’s Word. There is so much in the Bible that shows God’s love for man. I would start by reading through the New Testament, especially the four gospels. Finding a commentary on the Life of Christ that goes into more detail can help us understand more. I do have my favorite Commentary. You can check out a PDF version or go get a free paper back version of my favorite commentary.
- Learn & Grow. Just like when you have a love for learning English, Science, Spelling, etc., you do well and don’t look at it as a burden, when you love learning from Jesus at the foot of the cross, it will not be a burden and you will learn and grow in the Grace of God. Your life will be transformed, by the renewing of your mind.
Dear Father,
Thank You for what You have done for us. We long for that graduation day where we can receive the Gold Crown of Life and be able to enter into Your presence. As we continue to walk with You, lead us and guide us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Keep growing in Christ and He will see you through.
The Bible is the greatest commentary on the Life of Christ. Besides the Bible, do you have a favorite commentary that expounds on the Life of Christ?