Lady D Speaks

As parents, I know that there can be mixed feelings when report card time comes around. But whether the grades are good or otherwise, I believe that a review is needed. How else would we know the areas where our children excel or those where they need help? The purpose of these grade checks, in my opinion, should be to help and encourage growth. Seeing the finished produced and analyzing the level of understanding in each area to see if any advancements have occurred. Yup, that is my definition (I’ll wait for your applause lol). So now my question to you all is, “When was the last time you’ve done a self-check?”

Aside from currently being enrolled in school, or at a job where regular evaluations are conducted, when was the last time you’ve ‘graded’ yourself? Over the present few weeks, I have been sitting down with my children going over their test scores and homework assignments, which come home daily. Reviewing, redoing, and rewarding have been key elements in getting their buy-in and cooperation. And though we have been burning the midnight oil many nights it is encouraging to see that it’s paying off.

So today after I had dropped off my kids at school and made the journey back home in peace I realized something. I discovered how their grades had helped me to be the parent/teacher to meet their needs. Now with all certainty I knew the areas where I needed to assist in and those that they have mastered. And that’s when this question popped in my head, what does my report card look like to God? As Christians, we are never done learning and growing in our walk. But backsliding is always a real threat, and I believe that is why God has put these five areas on my heart to share with you. So let’s be honest with ourselves and dive right in.

 

The Word: Being in God’s Word daily is not only something we should want to do, but we are commanded to do so. 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 God’s Word prepares us, informs us, comforts us, and guides us. With a gift like this why wouldn’t you want to use it. The more we study, the closer we are drawn to Him. Without His Word in us we can’t expect to go out in the world.

Personally, I can see the difference in my life when I’m in His Word. I feel more energized and drawn to action. His Truth makes me bold. Need evidence…a few months ago I would have never considered posting this simply because I was less confidence of my understanding in His Word.

Praying: If you had a question, a problem, or just needed a friend it’s safe to assume that you’d get in touch with them. You wouldn’t just sit around waiting for them to read your mind, right? Well, that’s what prayer is. It’s our direct line to God, and though he knows all he invites us to meet with him. He is never too busy or distracted to meet with us. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.  1 John 5:14

As a mom, I can’t get through a short phone call without the baby crying, kids fighting, or the dog barking. It’s great to know that God is there and that we have 100% of his attention. He truly cares for us. Let’s not be believers who only go to God when we’re in a storm or when we ‘need’ something. Instead, let us thank him for the many blessings, and mercies he has seen us.

Fellowship: This is the foundation of the church. Many today believe that a church is a build or hall, but we as believers are what makes up the church.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them Matthew 18:20 Fellowship is so important. These are the people who you can turn to for spiritual support, guidance, wise, and yes even correction. As believers, we are all a family united by Christ.

As I have told my children, “Be careful of the company you keep.” Though it is not unbiblical to have non-Christian friends, it is a slippery slope. And one the devil will use it to attack you in small, and seemingly insignificant ways. As believers, we can draw from each others strengthens, learn valuable lessons, and be there to pray for one another. How pleased God must be to see His child gathered in His Name.

Serving: We are called to be people of action. No matter how big or small, our contributions are impactful. And God gave us the perfect example of having a servant’s heart when he sent us his Son. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10: 44-45 

There are so many ways to be a servant. From helping an elderly neighbor with home repairs, to volunteering your time at their local church, or become a financial supporter of a nonprofit organization. I can spend the rest of the day listing the endless possibilities. So if you are struggling to figure out where to start, pray. Ask God to lead you and then be willing to go.

Spreading the Word: We are so blessed to be commission by God to sharing the Good News. Today people everywhere are overwhelmed with the terrible and unthinkable things of this world. It can seem hopeless, and this is why the church (remembering our earlier definition) needs to get out there. We need to spread His Word in every corner of the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. Psalms 96: 2-3

Now not all of us are called to be Missionaries, but we have numerous opportunities to share with our loved ones, and others around us. The joy and peace we have in our relationship with the Lord is one that we should want others to experience for themselves.

I have been called out by the Lord to evaluate these areas in my life, and I urge you all to do the same. If God were to hand you a report card today would you be happy with what you’d receive?

 

Lord, thank you for using us to further your kingdom. What an honor it is to share your great works. I pray that those reading this today will hear your voice. That they are directed to go where you have called them to be, and do what you have called them to do. God help us not to be satisfied with being ‘C’ believers. You have called us to be bold in you. I pray that we all work to be better today than we were yesterday. And to be the kind of believers that draw others to you. -Amen