Getting An "A" in Religion Class (2 Timothy 3:7)

I attended an Episcopalian private high school. A mandatory class was religion. Everyday, we had a quiz on the homework reading assignment from the previous evening. The priest-teacher was very lenient and everyone received an A in the class. I attended a very competitive private high school and, for me, it was not enough to get an A, I had to be the best in the class. The only way to triumph was to do the extra-credit assignments. One of the assignments was to memorize all of the books of the Bible-either old testament, new testament, or the entire Bible. I eagerly accepted the assignment for the new testament and received my extra credit. But a friend of mine surpassed me and did all three. At the end of the year, he received the award for the highest grade in religion.

I did receive an A for my religion class but I wanted more. I not only wanted to have the highest grade, I wanted to be known as a religious person, even though at that time, I was very close to being an atheist and did not know God.

...always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:7 (ESV)

I held this attitude for most of my high school years. All I cared about was the appearance of being a good person-the knowledge, not the understanding of the content. But a few years later, God convicted me of my sinful attitude and behavior and brought me to my knees in confession and repentance of my sins. I knew I needed a Savior. I needed Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that by God’s grace and mercy, He saved me and continues to transform me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. I no longer want to learn just for appearances. I no longer want to be known as a religious person. I know I am a sinner and need Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I want to be known that I am only saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.