As finals come to a close and grades are gradually posted, an unfortunate surprise is waiting for many students. It is the inevitable Christmas-ruining joy-sucking life-choice-doubting gift that keeps on giving: your GPA.
For many, this unwanted present is grim and the cause of the overindulgence of Christmas cookies to cope (and because your mom feels sorry for you). For others, it is means for celebration, and also a reason to gorge yourself on cookies (because your mom is proud). Maybe this will provide you with some encouragement if you find yourself feeling a little disappointed.
I am the type of person who puts a lot of stock into my academic achievements. I often base my worth on grades, awards, and gold stars. I expect my hard work to pay off with perfect grades, endless praise from my professors, and eternal success. This is not the reality of my life, and I know I am not alone.
But there is a problem. While good grades and scholarly successes are not inherently sinful aspirations, Jesus doesn’t care.
What? Jesus doesn’t care?
Well…no.
In the Bible, the prophet Samuel is looking for the next king. The previous king, Saul, was tall and handsome. Samuel was searching for someone to fill Saul’s good-looking shoes (definitely Chacos). However, God informs Samuel that he “does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but The Lord looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
To us, our appearance is frequently connected to our academic success. We want to impress our friends, please our parents, and be proud of ourselves. But God wants more from us. The truth is, He is not proud of us—the only thing He has to be proud of is the fact we belong to Him! Our appearance is a depiction of our scholastic accolades instead of a reflection of our hearts and our joy for the Lord. God does not care that your grades are not perfect. Perfect grades do not glorify Him. Are they bad? No! They are evidence of hard work. But He cares more importantly about how you are loving others, impacting people, and being an example for Christ.
This sounds great! Jesus does not care about my grades?! I never have to study again!
Well…no.
It is true that Jesus does not care about your GPA. But that is not an excuse or a justification for poor grades.
Paul includes work ethic in his address to Christian households about their expected conduct. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” -Colossians 3:23
If bad grades are the result of a lacking work ethic, Jesus does care. We are called to utilize our talents to the best of our abilities. We have to try our best and give it our all. Procrastination and neglecting studies does not bring glory to God.
Paul says we are supposed to glorify God with our every action. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31
Our worldly work is meant to glorify God. Since Creation, God has provided work for his disciples. The struggles of our work is the cost of discipleship. It gives us an opportunity to depend on God.
Although He does not care about grades, He is not apathetic. He cares deeply. He cares about you. He cares that you tried. He cares about your heart. He wants you to take your focus off of your grades and put it on Him. He is relentlessly pursuing us, and He desperately wants us to do the same. He loves us. He wants us to rely on Him.
Our value is not based on accomplishments or defeats. We all fall short no matter what. The important thing is that our identity is in our God, not our grades;
In our Savior, not our success;
In our Father, not our failure;
In our Jesus, not our GPA.
