My son is in second grade and recently asked me when he would begin to get “real grades.”
I know grades are new to him and he doesn’t realize how “graded” we all are in our society. About the time children reach second or third grade, they do begin to be graded for schoolwork—and that continues all the way until graduation. Anyone who inquires about how well a child is doing in school asks, “How are his/her grades?” Teens receive admission to college based on many things, but most certainly grades and scores.
After college when young people go on to a job in the real world, the grading only gets tougher. Advancement in the company depends on grading or evaluations; promotions and pay are based on performance. We live in a world that grades on the type of job we hold, the type of car we drive and the type of home we live in.
We bring this attitude of grading into our spiritual lives, too, and we struggle. But listen to what the Lord says to Samuel when he is to anoint a new king: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Lord looks upon our hearts—and does no grading. Washed in the waters of baptism and graced in the meal and the word, grace abounds. In Christ’s rising from the dead, the gospel brings grace to us who live in a world of grading, whether you are in second grade or the second half of your life. God graces us with love—love that brings us the freedom to begin again.
This week's front page features:
Peace in Palestinian classrooms: In Lutheran schools, students learn respect and love for 'the other.' (Photo at right.).jpg)
Andrea Pohlmann asks: "Can we keep silence?"
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