On Being Proud

Today, I was thinking back to two of the proudest moments of my life – when my boys graduated from college. Matthew, my eldest, graduated from the Torrey Honors program at Biola University (my alma mater). Torrey is tough to get into and even tougher to complete. The students read and read and read the classic masters, philosophers, and academicians (if that’s even a word – I wasn’t a Torrey Honors student) and then discuss the points and theories in an effort to integrate the thoughts of those great minds with the lives they are currently living. And at Biola, this advanced level of learning is coupled with a study of the Scriptures. Mark graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He chose to attend an HBCU (historically Black college or university – like I had longed to do) where he could soak in and bask in his cultural roots, receive a quality education, and have tons of college fun. At both ceremonies, as my sons walked across that stage symbolizing the completion of the hard work they’d put in, I’m sure the light flashing from this proud mother’s heart must have been able to be seen from the International Space Station!

Those memories caused me to wonder if we make God proud of us, His children, as we move to accomplish tasks that He’s set before us. I wonder if, like the Torrey Honors students, we will dedicate hours to reading and research in order to know that we know that we know the mind of God. I wonder if we’re anxious to discuss and debate the issues in an effort to understand how God’s Word relates to our lives. I wonder if we are men and women who make a difference in our worlds because we’ve been in touch with the Master. 

Listen: Read the following verses:

• 2 Cor. 4:17  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (NIV)
• 2 Chr. 15:7  But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.(NIV)
• Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)
• Heb. 6:10  God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (NIV)
• 2 Tim. 4:8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day– and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (NIV)

Reflect: What work are you involved in? How can you perform that work as an offering to God?

Pray: Thank God for the work you do. Talk to Him about your job performance. Now govern your work according to His evaluation.

Let’s get out there and make God proud!

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