Your Full Potential

Thousands of students recently participated in a leadership course at a major university. At the end of the semester, the teacher was instructed to give one-third of the students A’s, one-third B’s and one-third C’s. These grades were to be given regardless of the students’ effort or potential. We can imagine that some might have felt they had been treated unfairly.

This is one of many possible approaches to grading students. Some teachers are generous, while others are exacting. Some grade on a “curve,” while some don’t give grades at all.

We are all evaluated in many ways throughout our lives. In subjective and objective ways, others judge our actions, attitudes, and performance.

In reality, the only grade that truly counts is the one given by God. The Bible tells us that “each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). As we stand before Him, we will need to report not only on what we did, but also why we did it. We will also give an account of what we did with the opportunities and resources we had been given.

As He evaluates us, God searches our hearts: “I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds” (Jeremiah 17:10).

But as Jesus made clear in the Parable of the Talents, we only are accountable for the things we have been given. Each of us is unique, with unique abilities and talents, and we are rewarded according to our faithfulness with what we have been given (Matthew 25:15).

In the world, you may be judged according to subjective standards. You may be given a “C” when you feel you deserve an “A.” You may feel taken for granted when you think you’re deserving of better rewards.

But always remember that God is the perfect Judge. He knows your heart and the opportunities you have been given. He sees your faithfulness and how you have responded.