Making the Grade

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ --Matthew 25:37-40

Even though I have finished my degree, I find myself back in the classroom for one more class, and also on the other end of the grading pen, marking assignments for the very first class every incoming seminary student is required to take. It's called Foundations of Bible Study. It is designed to teach us how to approach Scripture, and it is a very tough class. Trial by fire.

It's tough to mark, as well, because part of the object of this and other classes is to encourage students to revisit the Bible with fresh eyes while not driving a stake through the heart of our faith, how to set aside (as best as we are able) the many comforting things we know about Scripture and try to listen for a fresh word from the Lord.

That's what it's about, isn't it? Listening for God's word in our lives?

As a student, one of the hardest parts in this class is accepting that sometimes we get it wrong. We say too little-- or we say too much. We do too little-- or we do too much. 

And then along comes heidi with her fat green pencil and reminds the student what the directions were for the assignment, the "shalls" and the "shall nots."

Let the sputtering begin. 

"But-- but-- how can you take off points for saying too much? I have never lost points for saying too much." The best writing always has a good editor, someone who can remind you when it is time to stop. (Oh, that we should have Someone whispering in our ear when we have said too much.)

"But-- but-- right here-- see? They did it this way in the Study Guide! See? See?" Mmmm. . . . Life shows us plenty of bad examples to follow. Yet we are expected to make the right choices. 

Think how things might be different if Eve hadn't listened to the serpent.

Moses might have dwelt in the Promised Land if he had trusted fully in God's plan-- and listened.

And those Israelites. God gave them a list of do's and don'ts, and before Moses could review for the test-- Golden Calf. Revelry, ribaldry and ruin.

But I digress. 

It seems we want a checklist, so we will know exactly how we are doing, whether we are making good marks or not.

And when we are young, we need those close guidelines. It's the first assignment. You need rules. A short leash. 

But soon, there is a better way. Soon, the leash will be let out a bit. 

Soon, the grade will (should) diminish in value and the desire for true knowledge and learning and transformation will (should) step to the fore.

Jesus reminded his disciples (including us) that he did not come to abolish the Law, but as the fulfillment of it. In his life, Jesus showed us what living under the Law looks like.

It really does not look like an exercise in "do just exactly this for this answer and this grade." It's not that simple.

It looks more like, "How can my life reflect God's love in this world? God has given me so much, loved me so fully-- how can I share that love with everyone in my world?"

It may be with a pair of shoes or a hot meal. It may be a listening ear or a shoulder to rest against. 

Sometimes, far more than we admit, less is more. Silence speaks volumes of the love of Christ. And in the quiet, we hear it, softly whispered deep in our soul.

Well done, good and faithful servant. 

You have lived by the Law-- not as a checklist, but as a way of being. You have loved as I first loved you. 

And you did it-- just because. Not just to check something off the list for a grade.

Jesus loves me-- this I know. And to others this I show. Love them, feed them, clothe them, too. This is what the Lord would do.