FAILING THE TEST.

Every school teacher has had an angry student or parent question the final grade or report card. The pupil really was the one who failed as the grade book clearly showed, but the blame is placed on someone else. Recently I read the following quip, which is sadly true: "Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who dropped it."

For us to come to the final test, called the Judgment Day, unprepared and undone will be a tragic moment in view of eternity. God has graciously made provision for every student in His school to pass with flying colors, but some refuse to be grateful pupils. James 5:11 gives incentive to all of us, "Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful." No one has to be lost, but so many shall be, due to their own failure and ingratitude.

As we look for and then grasp golden moments to grow and improve, we naturally will desire to reach out to others. A crisp poem ought to help us do that:

MY DAILY PRAYER: If i can do some good today, If I can serve along life's way, If I can something helpful say, Lord, show me how. If I can right a human wrong, If I can help to make one strong, If I can cheer with smile and song, Lord, show me how. If I can aid one in distress, If I can make a burden less, If I can spread more happiness, Lord, show me how.

Many fail in their pursuit of Christianity because obstacles always loom larger to them than golden opportunities to grow. The one-talent man of Matt. 25 is a perfect example of many who do nothing for fear of what might happen if they try! We should never forget the following: "An upright man can never be a downright failure."

Some folk fail the test because they are so pessimistic. I read years ago that when opportunity knocks, the pessimist complains of the noise! How sad it is to approach life negatively. If we would stay alert and busy in positively serving God and others, we would not only be successful, but also much happier. The words of the prophet should keep us on the right track: "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God." Micah 6:8.

Confident in the comfort, contentment and challenge of Christianity, believers should begin each day with a determination to do our very best in the vineyard of the Lord as we cound our blessings and redouble our effort to the glory of God! As the apostle wrote, "In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God". Phil. 4:6.

We will have no one to blame but ourselves if we miss heaven. True devotees of Christ have the promise, "And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:28. Therefore, even when sorrow and heartache cross our path, we have the consolation of knowing that our Creator cares for us and will see us through any difficulty. In the last chapter of a book that depicted many hardships, we read these encouraging words: "So Jehavah blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning." Job 42:12.

We have much to be thankful for. Complaining should never be in our lives, but rather we should have a deep and loving appreciation for all our many blessings from the gracious Father above. We dare not fail the test and miss such wondrous glory with Him!

By:Johnny Ramsey, Gospel Minutes, vol. 50, No. 23, June 8, 2001

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