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Jonathan Andersen

A young pastor in an old denomination

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On Grades

Dr. Warren Smith, my professor of Church History, spoke this truth to us just after midterms this year.

I do not know of a Duke graduate who was denied ordination because he got a 3.0 rather than a 3.8. I do however know certain Duke honor graduates who were denied ordination because they came across as too arrogant.

Your grades are not a test, not a measure of your spirituality, not a measure of your calling, not a measure of whether you are fit for ministry.

When you ascend and come before the throne of judgment, our Lord is not gonna ask “What’d you make on the CH 13 final?” But he well may ask, “Did you do it for my glory or for your pride?” He may say, “Did you do it to honor the gifts I gave you or did you do just enough to squeak by?”

That’s the real question.

After he spoke there were shouts of Amen by some and faces of silent conviction by others.  We all needed this reminder and I’ll continue to think about it as exam time approaches.

H/T: The Beginning of Wisdom

Filed Under: Theology Tagged With: Duke Divinity

November 8, 2009 by Jonathan 3 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JAy. says

    November 9, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    Good reminder to all students! Personally, I have had a hard time prioritizing recently. I have to consider when enough school work is enough. After all, my family needs me, and working myself until I get sick won’t help my grades or my family.

    But God is good, and I place my trust in Him.

    Reply
  2. Samantha says

    November 9, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    That’s fantastic.

    Reply
  3. Hugh says

    November 9, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    A seminary professor at Asbury told me once, “Hugh just focus on trying to learn something. If you do that, then the grades will follow.”

    Reply

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