“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8 NLT)
A couple of years ago I had a one-on-one meeting after class with one of my students. He was doing C+ level work on his exams, but I perceived he had the potential to perform at a higher level. I started out my conversation commending him for his class participation and congratulated him on the leadership that he demonstrated when students were given in-class projects to work on. As a matter of fact, when his group had to present, he led the way, guiding his fellow students and supplementing their responses when necessary. On top of that, he designed a PowerPoint presentation with a couple of embedded videos for the group to accompany their verbal presentation. If I had not told you he was doing C+ level work on his exams, you too would think that he should be performing at a higher level.
In our meeting he disclosed that he did not have the updated textbook for the course, so he was not able to study information that was not discussed in class. If subject matters were discussed in class, he would take great notes and he would even go beyond what other students did by studying the topics we covered when he was outside of class, researching on the web. He would look up the theories, the theorist, or the models we discussed so that he would be able to go into great detail when responding to related exam questions. As we conversed, my hunch was confirmed. He had a great work ethic, that was not the problem. His effort and eagerness to learn was not the problem. it was an economic problem that was keeping him from achieving higher scores on exams. He simply could not afford the textbook. Purchasing the books and supplies for his full schedule of Engineering and Technology classes took priority over my Applied Leadership course.
He did not bring his need to me. I initiated our conversation. He did not ask me for anything, but knowing the need, I could not just standby and do nothing when I had the ability to help him. So instead of saying in an authoritative voice, “You better find a way to get a book if you want a better grade,” I told him that he could use my new version of the book. It was not a teacher’s version, just the updated version. I had taught the class the prior semester and was familiar with the subject matter. His response, “You are going to do that for me.” I replied, “Of course, you need the book to ensure you are able to make the grade that you are capable of earning.”
I could focus on meeting the needs of others when we have the ability to do so. That would be a good topic to transition into, considering my action. But that is not what the Lord put on my heart this morning. Here is what He wanted me to specifically say to you. As a Christian, you cannot get through the course of life, reaching your full potential in terms of learning Biblical principles and you cannot perform as a believer to your full potential without “the book.” “The book” I’m referring to is the Word of God. You need “the book.” Let me say it a different way since I am sure all Christians, including you, have a Bible or two or three. Let me say it this way: You need to get in “the book” and dig deeper for wisdom and understanding. You need to get in “the book” to equip yourself for all the tests that life will throw at you. By the way, some of the tests will be surprise tests that you were not expecting, ever. You can get by with your notes from sermons and lessons taught by preachers and teachers. But you really need to literally get into “the book.” Not getting in a textbook may be something you can get by with in the college classroom, perhaps, but it does not work that way in your new life. Your new life priority is different. The new life: you have been born again. The new life: Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. The new life: one where you have the potential to continuously progress toward perfection. The new life: you need “the book.” “The book” is freely available and “the book” cannot be given a lower priority than any of your earthly pursuit, such as the time you may spend on social media. Think about what I have shared today. What’s next? Either you have to get “the book” or you need to get in “the book.” Be blessed!
“You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 AMP)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King