Quite frequently during my high school years, my teachers would give pop quizzes just as the class session began.
And, more frequently than I wanted, I wasn’t prepared to get an A grade since I hadn’t studied the night before.
It was very satisfying on those occasions when I aced the pop quiz.
Eventually, I realized that it’s better to study consistently and do well on a surprise quiz.
That lesson served me well in my college years because some of the professors pulled the same stunt.
While others complained and anguished over the questions, I moved methodically through the quiz and usually ended up doing quite well.
The fact is that it’s always better to be prepared since we never know when the ultimate pop quiz — our standing before the Lord — will come our way.
I’m giving you a pop quiz this morning. It’s one that I have to take as well.
Passing this quiz will have eternal benefits and taking the quiz will reveal key areas in our lives that need improvement. Please check mentally each line that you’re passing the test as God would expect.
“Who may live on your holy mountain?
__ Those whose walk is blameless,
__ who do what is righteous,
__ who speak the truth from their hearts;
__ who have no slander on their tongues,
__ who do their neighbors no wrong,
__ who cast no slur on others;
__ who despise those whose ways are vile
__ but honor whoever fears the Lord;
__ who keep their oaths even when it hurts;
__ who lend money to the poor without interest
__ and do not accept bribes against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:1-5)
As you and I honestly answer these questions, perhaps even asking one who knows us to grade us on these criteria, we’ll become more like the person God wants us to be.
We won’t get a perfect score but we’ll have the opportunity to become better learners and better servants as we prepared for graduation day into glory.
As always, I love you
Martin
