TIP

Pastor Peters on a grade inflation study, where all the children are above average: 

“In the study, the authors argue that intellectual confidence may have been bolstered by grade inflation, noting that, in 1966, only 19 percent of college students who were surveyed earned an “A” or “A-minus” average in high school, compared with 48 percent in 2009. 

Perhaps this is a result of the deliberate intention to use the public school system to impart self-esteem in our children. We grade up because it makes the kids feel better, it makes our educational system look better (on paper), and it makes us look better as teachers, administrators and parents.  

In the end we have robbed our children of real self-esteem and handicapped their identity and their growth into adulthood by this culture of what is owed to them.  Christians draw our self-esteem from the cross.  Our value is set not by society or even our parents but by the God whose love endured suffering and death to retrieve us as His own and restore us into communion with the Father. 

The whole nature of this gracious gift reminds us that despite our failures and not because of our successes, God loves us.  He loves us where we are and as we are but too much to leave us under death's long dark shadow and captive to sin's grasp.  This is the self-esteem that endures, that motivates the joyful and noble response, and that does not bounce around like a ping pong ball with the ups and downs of ordinary life.”

-- Pastor Larry Peters  (shared by Chuck Hagan this morning in his devotion)

TIP

My friend, Denis Waitley, has an acronym that I’ve always liked: TIP (To Insure Performance)

His thought is that we should tip before we receive service.  This shows faith in others’ abilities and gives them incentive to do a good job. 

That’s a lovely idea and, in a perfect world, this should work well.  Unfortunately, we seem to be living in a society that expects things to be handed to them and many would take that TIP and think, “Sucker!”

But, really, isn’t that what the Lord has done for us? He’s given us the best…the ultimate…more than we could ever work for or deserve…right up front.  And, even better, He has blessed us with His Spirit to help us fulfill His great expectations of us! We can’t earn His love, but, filled with the Holy Spirit, we are ever after seeking to live up to the promise He sees in us.

Dear Father in Heaven – Thank you for having faith in me. Thank you for loving me in spite of all my shortcomings. Thank you for seeing my potential and giving me your love, even though none of that was apparent on the outside. I know that I have a long way to go and will always be seeking to be that best that you already see in me. Your TIP is far greater than some extra money given pre-service.  You gave us the prize right up front AND your Spirit to help us be our best. It boggles my mind sometimes. I love you earnestly! Amen.

Blessings and peace,

Leah