Have you ever overheard a group of students talk about how good or bad their grades are? Personally, I have heard this conversation plenty of times, and I can't help but feel down when I hear someone say they have a 4.0. It's hard not to feel like your grades aren't good enough, especially when you hear that someone has way better grades than you. The truth is, your GPA does not define you. It's a temporary number in your life. It will go away and eventually not even matter. When I feel down about my grades, I have to remind myself that God placed me in school for a reason. I have a purpose for being there. I also remind myself to feel thankful that I even get to go to school and get an education. Different perspectives on different situations will change your mind about life and make it worth living.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
“Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” Samuel 12:24
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4
Another thing to note is that no matter how successful we become in school, we must always seek to be examples of God’s light and love. That is, after all, our calling. No matter what we end up doing in life, how successful we become, or how much we make, we have to remember our purpose in life. To love others as Jesus loves us, to spread the good news, to shine a light on people and to please God by doing good works and obeying his plans for us.
Many have heard that "pain is temporary, but GPA is forever." No. It's NOT forever. GPA doesn't control you. God will help you overcome it. Let's take a stand and stop people from making their GPA an idol. In the first chapter of the book of Romans, Paul writes a letter to the Romans, and one thing he said that stood out to me was in verses 21-23. He states, "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols..." Romans 1:21-23. We must not make idols out of anything but God. Yes, this includes our grades. Many other common things we make idols of are significant others, work, or even more commonly, our money. Although difficult, it's possible to put God above all else.
Let's stop saying "pain is temporary, GPA is forever," and start saying "GPA is temporary, but God's glory is forever."
"For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
“... Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12
The next time you look down when you think your GPA is a weight on your shoulders, look up and realize all of the blessings you have received. You are strong enough to overcome this minor obstacle in life. It's not the end of the world. Your GPA isn't everything. Your GPA does NOT define you.
